Man charged over alleged attack on others with 'dangerous weapon' at Orchard Central on New Year’s Day
SINGAPORE — A man who was allegedly involved in a fight that started over a "staring incident" at Orchard Central mall on New Year's Day was charged with voluntarily causing hurt with a dangerous weapon on Thursday (Jan 4).
The fight caused six people to be taken to hospital, including those who were trying to stop the attack.
Appearing in court through video-link, Adam Hambali Seddon, 30, was expressionless when his charge was read out to him in Malay.
The Singaporean is accused of hurting a victim, Mr Carmelo Joshua Emilio Esmond D'Sylva, on Monday at about 4am in the vicinity of Ark11. This is a dance club located on the 11th floor of Orchard Central.
He allegedly attacked the victim with an unknown instrument for stabbing or cutting that when used as a weapon of offence is likely to cause death, court documents stated.
Court documents did not mention the other five injured persons who the police said were involved in the incident.
It was also not specified what weapon was used.
The accused was handed just one charge as investigations are still ongoing.
He had allegedly committed the offence while he was under a remission order.
Such an order is issued to certain inmates who are released after serving two-thirds of their sentence because they had displayed good conduct and behaviour in prison. The order subjects them to conditions upon their release and until the end of their sentences.
WHAT HAPPENED
In a media statement on Wednesday, the police said that they had received a call for assistance in the early morning of New Year's Day at Orchard Central mall.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a purported staring incident between Adam and an 18-year-old male led to an argument, with Adam allegedly attacking the victim.
He then allegedly attacked four other men and a 27-year-old woman who had heard the commotion and tried to intervene to stop the attack, the police said.
Adam purportedly fled the scene before the police arrived.
All six victims, aged between 18 and 30, were later taken to Singapore General Hospital where they received treatment for their injuries.
Adam was arrested the next day after police officers established his identity with the aid of ground enquiries and police cameras.
In court on Thursday, the prosecution asked that he be remanded further to assist in police investigations. The request was granted by District Judge Brenda Tan.
To this, Adam asked to be released on bail, but the prosecution told the court that he can make such a request at a later date.
He is scheduled to return to court on Jan 11.
Anyone found guilty of voluntarily causing hurt using a weapon of offence likely to cause death could be jailed for up to seven years, fined, or caned, or be given any combination of these punishments.
