Man acquitted of having paid sex with underage girl

SINGAPORE: A 29—year—old cleaner, accused of having paid sex with an underage girl, was granted a discharge amounting to an acquittal on Wednesday.

Md Salauddin Md Dudu Mia, a Bangladeshi national, had allegedly paid the girl S$10 for sex.

The girl, now 15, cannot be named to protect her identity.

In his verdict, District Judge Low Wee Ping noted that the charge did not specify the exact date, time or place, although these details were required.

The court heard the offence allegedly took place on an evening in July this year, at a staircase landing of an unknown block in the vicinity of Hougang Avenue 4.

The judge added that the girl’s testimony was vague and not corroborated by other witnesses.

He also said Salauddin had gone through a worrying process — legally and judicially.

Salauddin was charged in court on 1 August 2012 with six other cleaners for having paid sex with the girl.

The six have been convicted and are serving jail sentences between 10 and 17 months.

Salauddin had remained in remand till today.

Even as his trial started on December 19, Salauddin was not represented by a defence counsel as he could not afford to engage a lawyer.

Salauddin appeared overwhelmed at the acquittal, and thanked the judge in tears as his handcuffs were removed.

— CNA/de