Domestic helper guilty of stealing from Changi Airport Group chairman and family

As a domestic helper for the family of Liew Mun Leong, Indonesian national Parti Liyani was paid S$300 a month since Mar 2007. Her salary would increase to S$600 around 2016 before she was terminated due to theft.

After a trial that had stretched for months, District Judge Olivia Low found the 45-year old maid guilty. Among the items stolen by Parti were clothing and watches owned by Liew’s son Karl, jewellery of the chairman’s daughter May, and Gucci sunglasses and a Prada bag for Karl’s spouse.

During the arraignment period, the defence panel pointed out three reasons why the Indonesian maid could not possibly had done what her employers were accusing her of. First, the items were given to Parti. Second, the things were already trashed and finally, a couple of family drivers had packed the stuff to be sent to Indonesia.

However, Judge Low argued that there was no reason why the Liew household and drivers would frame Parti for theft. In addition, Low also pointed out that Parti’s combining of stolen belongings of different family members was the domestic helper’s way of avoiding detection.

The defence wanted to overturn the statements of the prosecution’s witnesses by calling for their own testifiers to make a presence but the judge denied the request. Instead, an adjustment would be made on one of the charges

Sentencing has been set next week. Parti will be facing a maximum jail term of seven years. She will also be fined for every count that she has been charged against.