Man molests ‘godson’ over 7 years, victim viewed him as father figure

A 64-year-old former Singapore citizen was sentenced to four years and three months in jail on Tuesday (15 April) for molesting his “godson” over a period of seven years.

Esau John Chin, who was found guilty in March of seven counts of molestation, was also sentenced to 13 strokes of the cane.

However, as he is over 50 years old, he will serve an additional six months in jail in lieu of caning, bringing his total sentence to four years and nine months.

Abuse began when victim was 11 years old

As a close family friend, Chin — now a New Zealander — stayed with the boy’s family at least once a year during visits between 2000 and 2020.

The victim, 34, is the eldest of three children and the only son.

After his father passed away, he grew close to Chin, viewing him as both a father figure and disciplinarian.

The abuse began when the boy was just 11 and continued until he was 18.

During his early visits, Chin would shower naked with the boy, later progressing to touching his private parts.