Couple accused in Woodlands murder remanded for psychiatric assessment
Photo: Reuters
SINGAPORE — A married couple accused of murdering their flatmate in their Woodlands home has been remanded for psychiatric assessment.
Pua Hak Chuan, 35, and Tan Hui Zhen, 31, were charged last Monday (April 13) with the murder of 26-year-old Annie Ee Yu Lian in their flat at Block 878, Woodlands Avenue 9 at 9.38am that day.
Pua and Tan are represented by Mr Josephus Tan, Mr Fong Wei Li and Ms Gloria Lee from Fortis Law Corporation.
The court heard today that the couple will be remanded — Pua at the Changi Prison Complex Medical Centre and Tan at the Changi Women’s Prison — as prosecutors are “satisfied that they are capable of making their defence in court”.
Tan, who wore an orange T-shirt, sobbed loudly as court proceedings were going on. She had to be held down by two female officers when lawyers spoke to her after the hearing.
Pua, clad in a white printed T-shirt, appeared calm.
Mr Josephus Tan said the lawyers were meeting the accused persons for the first time today and that he was approached by Tan’s mother yesterday.
“The female accused seemed quite shaken, so we had make sure she understood what the proceedings was about, and most importantly, to assure her,” said Mr Tan, adding that his team will be advising the couple on a pro bono basis.
Pua’s mother and four friends were also in court today. They declined to comment.
The case will be heard again on May 13.
