Jan 7, 2011
Alleged rape victim's alcohol level 3 times legal limit
By Elena Chong
The blood-alcohol limit found in a young woman at the time of an alleged rape by Ong Mingwee (above) was more than three times the legal limit for drink driving. -- ST PHOTO
THE blood-alcohol level found in a young woman at the time of an alleged rape by Ong Mingwee was more than three times the legal limit for drink driving.
The 255mg ethanol per 100 ml of blood was above the toxic level but below the lethal level of 350mg, said a forensic pathologist.
Senior consultant forensic pathologist Wee Keng Poh testified on Friday at Ong Mingwee's rape trial that the level found on the then-22-year-old woman would physically or mentally incapacitate her.
She would also not be capable of giving consent. Dr Wee said the alcohol she had taken would reduce her ability to protect herself, impair her judgment, her perception of others, as well as her ability to resist both physically and verbally.
Ong, 28, is said to have raped the woman at a flat above his family-run minimart at Toa Payoh North in the early hours on Feb 12, 2009.
After calling 14 prosecution witnesses, the prosecution closed its case. District Judge Hamidah Ibrahim called on his defence. Ong, who elected to give evidence, will take the stand when hearing continues on Feb 14. The maximum penalty for rape is 20 years' jail and fine or caning.