SINGAPORE, Feb 5 — The teenage father who left his baby, born prematurely at 31 weeks, at the doorstep of his own home in hopes his family would keep and care for the newborn was yesterday sentenced to 24 months’ probation.

The 18-year-old and his 15-year-old girlfriend — who gave birth to the child in a toilet on Aug 2 last year — were each convicted of one charge of committing a rash act as to endanger human life.

The boyfriend also pleaded guilty to two counts each of having sex with a minor and digital penetration of a minor.

Both cannot be named because of a gag order to protect the girl’s identity.

Court documents show that the couple entered into a relationship in August 2014 and had sex twice in January last year, shortly after the girl’s 14^th birthday.

They realised she was pregnant sometime in May or June last year, but kept the news to themselves.

On Aug 2 last year, the girlfriend gave birth in the toilet at her home. The couple decided to leave the baby outside the man’s home in Ang Mo Kio in the hope that his family would raise the baby without knowing the baby was theirs.

They placed the newborn in an SG50 bag, accompanied with a note that read: “Peace be upon you. I would like to ask for your help to take care of this baby because I cannot afford to take care of him. My husband recently passed away in an accident ... I plead to you and your family to accept this baby. I cannot afford to give him happiness and wealth ... God willing, if I have extra income, I will send money monthly.”

Pressing for the boyfriend to be sent to a boys’ hostel, Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) James Low said it was “pure luck” that the boyfriend’s mother opened the door to discover the baby that day.

Otherwise, the baby could have died, said DPP Low.

But a probation officer argued for the father to be sentenced to probation, noting his strong family support. He had changed for the better since his child was born, and “may not need that kind of structure (in a boys’ hostel) as yet”, the officer added.

Today, the man told the court he plans to work to support his child, who is presently cared for by his girlfriend’s parents.

In sentencing him, District Judge Mathew Joseph said he recognised that the man had become a “stronger person” since he was charged.

“Having to look after your son may be a form of balance (for) your life ... I hope you realise you had committed serious (charges), and the court is giving you a chance for your sake and for the sake of your newborn son,” said the judge.

Under the probation order, the man has to remain indoors between 10pm and 6am daily, complete 100 hours of community service, and be electronically tagged for six months.

His girlfriend was earlier sentenced to probation in a youth court. — TODAY