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SINGAPORE: The National Serviceman who allegedly stole an army rifle and bullets will not be released on bail.
A psychiatric report submitted to the court on Wednesday said 20-year-old Dave Teo Ming poses a danger to himself and others.
The full-time NSman was caught early September at Orchard Road armed with a gun and bullets after a 20-hour manhunt.
Prosecution lawyer Francis Ng argued that Teo might contact his camp mates who are potential witnesses in the case.
A five-page psychiatric report submitted to court added that Teo poses a risk to others and himself.
However, the judge granted him one phone call to his grandmother. According to the lawyers, Teo has not had any contact with his family members for the past two weeks.
In court, the judge granted the lawyer some time to speak to the NSman.
In a brief exchange, the lawyer said Teo appeared tired but was concerned about his grandmother and was really keen to be released on bail to see her because she was reported to be very sick with cancer.
K Mathialahan, lawyer for Teo, said: "He was concerned mainly (about) what is going to happen to his grandmother. He found out that his grandmother was seriously ill, so if he's allowed on bail he would like to visit her and spend time with her."
Ong Jun Boon, the other man on trial, was also in court and he has been charged with not reporting Teo's actions to the authorities.
Ong's parents heard that their son can be released on a S$50,000 bail but has to surrender his passport and report to the Criminal Investigations Department daily at 10am. They have the next two days to arrange for the bail.
Meanwhile, Ong is being represented by lawyer Amolat Singh.
Teo faces three charges for allegedly stealing a rifle from camp, unlawful possession of eight bullets and carrying a knife in a public place without lawful purpose in April this year.
If convicted, he is likely to be jailed a minimum of ten years and given at least 18 strokes of the cane.
The case will be heard again next Wednesday at the Community Court. - CNA/vm
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