Chinese PhD Student Jailed 6+ Years, Caned in Singapore for Attempted Rape of Former Housemate After Rejected Advances

Chinese PhD Student Jailed & Caned in Singapore for Attempted Rape

A Chinese PhD student, Gao Xiong, 31, has been handed a significant prison sentence and caning in Singapore for attempting to rape his former housemate.

Details of the Offence and Sentencing

The court heard that Gao, who was pursuing his doctoral studies in Singapore, launched the attack after his repeated romantic overtures were rejected by the 21-year-old victim.

Sentenced on Monday, Gao Xiong received a jail term of six years, six months, and six weeks, along with three strokes of the cane. He pleaded guilty to four charges, including attempted rape and criminal trespass, with an additional three charges considered during sentencing.

Motive and Victim Protection

The court proceedings revealed that Gao's motives for the assault were manifold: to fulfill his sexual urges, to humiliate the victim, and to "release a bit of anger." The incident occurred after Gao had moved out of the shared accommodation he previously occupied with the victim in August 2023.

The identity of the victim, who was also a tertiary student in Singapore at the time of the offense, remains protected by a gag order. The name of the academic institution Gao attended was not disclosed in court documents. This case underscores the serious legal repercussions for sexual assault offenses in Singapore.