SINGAPORE — Even though his subordinate was married and not romantically interested in him, a restaurant director harassed her several times and molested her on one occasion.

On Tuesday (March 31), the 30-year-old man was ordered by a district court to pay a S$5,000 fine. He cannot be named due to a court order to protect the 31-year-old victim’s identity.

He pleaded guilty to one count of using criminal force on her and another charge of molestation, with three other charges under the Protection from Harassment Act taken into consideration during sentencing.

At the time of the incidents, the victim was an assistant manager at the popular restaurant which also cannot be named. She has since resigned from the job as she could not tolerate the director’s actions, Deputy Public Prosecutor Jason Chua told the court.

The court heard that the man targeted her on five occasions from Dec 21 to 24 last year. 

On one occasion, the victim was drying dishes at the bar counter when he stood beside her and put his right hand around her waist. No one else was there at the time.

Feeling shocked and uncomfortable, she immediately pushed his hand away and asked him what he was doing. He came up with an excuse that he was trying to get something before she walked away.

Three days later, when she was standing behind the cashier counter and talking to the chef, he approached her and grabbed her elbow, pulling her towards him without saying a word. She immediately brushed him off.

Court documents showed that during this period, he sent her numerous messages in a WhatsApp chat group as well, professing his love for her and asking her to marry him.

He also harassed her by putting a red shirt and blue jacket over her back.

In mitigation, the man, who did not have a lawyer, apologised for “the inconvenience caused to my staff and the court”.

District Judge Luke Tan told him: “I agree with the prosecution — this is a situation where, quite aside from the offence of outrage of modesty, you really took advantage of your position as the director of the restaurant.”

For using criminal force, he could have been jailed up to three months, fined up to S$1,500 or both. 

For molestation, he could have been jailed up to two years, fined, caned, or any combination of the three.