Man to stand trial for rape, theft and causing hurt

AN UNEMPLOYED man was yesterday ordered to stand trial in the High Court for 16 offences - including 12 sexual assaults on four Chinese nationals last year.

At yesterday's preliminary inquiry, the court heard that Ser Eng Siong, 33, is also charged with three counts of theft and one count of causing hurt.

His alleged offences include:

Choking and raping a 20-year-old Chinese national on Nov 11, and stealing her mobile phone and cash totalling $200.

Raping another Chinese national that same day. He is also accused of stealing money and other items totalling $2,590 from the 22-year-old.

Raping an 18-year-old Chinese national twice on Nov 3.

Molesting a 34-year-old Chinese national and stealing a $600 mobile phone and $170 in cash in the Balestier Road area on Nov 8.

The preliminary inquiry was closed to the public and the media because the prosecution said that earlier press reports had led to a victim being identified by friends and acquaintances, causing her 'considerable distress'.

No date for the trial has been set. Ser will remain in remand.