Singapore — A former primary-school Chinese teacher was charged in court yesterday with sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. Shin Min Daily News reported that Du Tao, 35, faces a total of four charges.

He has been accused of using his fingers to penetrate the girl, and of sexually exploiting a child by allegedly trying to kiss and hug her, touch her breasts, perform a sex act on her and make her perform a sex act on him.

Du was formerly an educator at a primary school in the north. It was reported that the alleged sexual assault occurred on March 8 in a Sengkang flat. The victim, whom Du got to know online, is from a different school.

Du’s case will resume on July 13.If found guilty of sexual penetration of a minor below 16 years old, he can be jailed for up to 10 years with a fine. If convicted under the Children and Young Persons Act for sexually exploiting a child, he may face up to five years in jail and be fined S$10,000.

The Education Ministry said yesterday that Du is no longer in the education service. “We do not tolerate educators who misconduct themselves. As educators ... they must uphold the highest professional standards,” said a spokesperson. NG JING YNG