SINGAPORE, Aug 26 — A 63-year-old chef was sentenced today to eight and a half years’ jail for sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl at a restaurant while other staff members and customers were present.

According to the New Straits Times, Kassim Juhamat pleaded guilty to one charge of sexual assault by penetration over the incident on June 27, 2025.

Two molestation charges and one charge of committing an obscene act with the girl were also considered by the court when determining his sentence.

The jail term included six months imposed in lieu of caning, as Kassim cannot be caned because he is over 50.

The High Court heard that the girl came to know Kassim, whom she called “Uncle Kassim”, during occasional visits to the restaurant.

The identity of the person she visited and their relationship cannot be published because of a gag order protecting the victim.

At about 4.15pm that day, Kassim reportedly assaulted the girl at a corner table despite her repeated objections and gripped her hand to stop her from leaving.

He released her at about 5pm and told her to keep quiet about the incident. But the girl told an individual what had happened the following day after they noticed a change in her behaviour towards Kassim.

Kassim initially denied the allegation but reportedly admitted it when told that the police would be contacted and CCTV footage reviewed, after which a restaurant manager made a police report.