Domestic Worker Sentenced After a Series of Shocking Incidents
In a story that’s as unsettling as it is unfortunate, 40‑year‑old Aye Aye Naing was handed a 30‑week prison term after a series of violent episodes against her elderly employer in Singapore.
The Commotion Behind the Couch
- July 31, 2020 – The water bottle strike: A jury‑seen video captured Aye squeezing the base of a water bottle against a 76‑year‑old woman’s mouth.
- August 14, 2020 – Alarm clock assault: The helper flicked an alarm clock at the victim’s face, hitting the very same mouth with it.
- August 18, 2020 – “Grandma style” forced seating: Aye yanked the woman by her hair, dragging her into a seating position. Minutes later, the water‑bottle attack repeated.
Why the Headache?
While Aye claimed the elderly woman had slipped and blamed the old lady for “falling,” a CCTV camera in the flat caught all three assaults. The footage was played in court and left no doubt about the violence.
Bruises and Mental Health
Co‑incidentally, a medical check‑up listed bruises on the victim’s forehead, cheek, shoulder, and thigh. Institute of Mental Health later diagnosed Aye with an “adjustment disorder” – a factor mentioned by the prosecutor.
Legal Breakdown
Aye was found guilty of three counts of voluntarily causing hurt towards a vulnerable person. While each count carries up to three years of jail, the court capped the sentence at 30 weeks due to mitigating circumstances such as:
- Her claim that the incidents were spontaneous, not pre‑planned.
- Her lawyer arguing that Aye was also juggling household chores for a six‑person home, causing added stress.
- Evidence that the victim, the elderly woman, enjoyed having Aye around and regarded her almost as a “grandmotherly” figure.
Moreover, the maximum sentence can be doubled for crimes against vulnerable victims — a rule that the court seemed to weigh against Aye in this case.
Final Words
Despite initial goodwill between helper and employer, a series of “tight‑rope” moments unfolded into a courtroom drama that ended with jail. This case serves as a stark reminder that ‘care’ does not equal “compliance”, and that every living room should double‑check its security—both literally and figuratively.
