Ex-SCDF director to appeal against conviction of misappropriating iPads
A man in handcuffs. TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE — A former director of technology at the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) is appealing against his conviction for misappropriating two iPads, after a district court sentenced him to ten weeks’ jail today (Nov 16).
Jeganathan Ramasamy, 63, had unsuccessfully contested charges against him and was convicted last month of two counts of criminal breach of trust.
The court heard in earlier proceedings that Jeganathan -- who held his directorship from 2007 to 2012 — had misappropriated two iPads worth S$1,877 entrusted to him by an IT vendor in 2011 to test mobile applications that the vendor was to develop for SCDF.
Instead, Jeganathan gave one to his daughter and sold another to a colleague in September that year for S$200.
In sentencing, District Judge Shaiffudin Saruwan noted Jeganathan’s senior position at the time of the offence and said his acts warranted a deterrent sentence. However, he also took into account Jeganathan’s age and clean record before these offences.
Pressing for a sentence of between ten and 12 weeks’ jail, Deputy Public Prosecutor Hon Yi said Jeganathan’s offences demonstrated a lack of professional integrity and attracted public disquiet as he was a high-ranking officer. His offences also amounted to the most serious form of criminal breach of trust - that committed by a public servant, said the DPP.
Defence lawyer Sanjiv Rajan highlighted positive testimonials written by ex-commissioners and colleagues, who spoke of Jeganathan’s dedication and diligence at work.
The appeal will be heard at a date to be decided by the High Court.
