56-year-old man allegedly tried to get teenage girl to drink with him at Woodlands coffeeshop
A 56-year-old man has been charged in court after allegedly harassing a 14-year-old girl at a coffeeshop in Woodlands.
The man also allegedly threw a glass and chair at the girl, according to an anonymous post by her parent in the Complaint Singapore Facebook group last Friday (17 July).
Source: Google Maps
Drunk man allegedly harasses girl who was with her family
According to the Original Poster (OP), who is presumably the mother, the incident took place at around 7.10pm on 15 July.
A family had just sat down for dinner at FoodHub @ Marsiling, located at Block 167 Woodlands Street 11, when the parents left their 14-year-old girl at the table while ordering food.
However, a drunk uncle from another table allegedly started harassing the teenager and tried to get her to drink beer with him.
When she declined, he allegedly flew into a rage and spewed vulgarities at her.
Man allegedly throws glass and chair at girl in Woodlands coffeeshop
The girl quickly stood up to walk away as she was scared, but the man threw a glass cup and a chair in her direction.
The glass shattered, but she was not hurt.
Source: Qeis Ismail on Pexels. Photo for illustration purposes only.
When the girl’s father returned, the man didn’t stop. Instead, he continued hurling profanities, this time at her father.
He also challenged him to a fight right there and then.
This left the girl “absolutely terrified”, her mother said.
Man purportedly a regular at Woodlands coffeeshop
Later, the coffeeshop staff purportedly told the family that the man was a “regular” and had caused trouble before.
The mother questioned why the coffeeshop management was “turning a blind eye” to this man and allowing him to endanger others, adding:
A 14-year-old child should be able to sit in a neighbourhood eatery without fearing for her physical safety, and families shouldn’t have to deal with drunken brawlers.
Source: Google Maps
Police report and complaint made
The OP said a police report had been filed over the incident, and investigations are ongoing.
She has also lodged a complaint with the coffeeshop’s management and forwarded it to the area’s MPs, urging them to look into the “lack of security and safety measures”.
She shared the post to spread awareness and advised others to be vigilant when dining with their kids at the coffeeshop.
Girl was terrified and in tears: Witness
When Shin Min Daily News visited the coffeeshop on 17 July, a Western food stallholder told them he witnessed the incident and heard the sound of glass shattering.
28-year-old Hafiz said the girl was “clearly terrified” and appeared to be in tears.
When the police arrived, they questioned the man and arrested him.
Hafiz was not acquainted with the man, only knowing that he frequently patronised the shop.
A 28-year-old customer surnamed Lee recalled that the man had been drinking that night. He saw the man smash the glass after being rejected by the girl.
Another stallholder, aged 35, described the man’s face as “flushed red” and heard him cursing up a storm.
Source: Google Maps
Man charged with criminal intimidation
According to court documents seen by Shin Min, a 56-year-old man named Xie Jianzhong (transliterated from Mandarin) was charged with one count of criminal intimidation.
The charge sheet alleges that he picked up a glass and threw it onto the ground in front of a victim, intending to cause her alarm when it shattered.
He has been released on bail of S$5,000, with the case set to be heard again on 31 July.
If convicted of criminal intimidation, he faces up to two years in prison and/or a fine, according to Singapore Statutes Online.
Source: Singapore Statutes Online
But if the threat was to cause grievous hurt, among other threats, the jail term might extend to 10 years.
Also read: 35-year-old man arrested for public nuisance at Jurong Point, accused of harassing girl at arcade
35-year-old man arrested for public nuisance at Jurong Point, accused of harassing girl at arcade
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Featured image adapted from Google Maps.
