S'pore policeman loses appeal and gets longer jail term for abetting fatal abuse of Myanmar helper

A former Singapore police officer, Kevin Chelvam, has had his prison sentence increased following a successful appeal by the prosecution. Chelvam was originally sentenced to 10 months in jail for abetting the abuse of his family's Myanmar domestic worker, Piang Ngaih Don, who died in 2016. The High Court has now extended his sentence to 15 months, citing the severity of the case and the need for public accountability. The victim, who had been working for the family for less than a year, suffered extensive physical abuse and malnutrition, eventually leading to her death. While Chelvam did not directly inflict the fatal injuries, his failure to intervene or report the ongoing abuse was deemed a significant breach of duty. The case has drawn national attention due to the victim's vulnerability and the perpetrator's role as a law enforcement officer. The court emphasized that those in positions of authority have a heightened responsibility to uphold the law, especially within their own households. This ruling serves as a final legal chapter in a case that has sparked widespread public outcry regarding the treatment of migrant domestic workers in Singapore. The increased sentence reflects the judiciary's stance on the gravity of failing to protect those under one's care.