Probation for youth who threatened to kill, spat at mother over his cigarette butt mess
SINGAPORE — A 19-year-old youth was sentenced to one-and-a-half years’ probation on Friday (March 4) for drunkenly punching his mother’s arm a few times, then threatening to kill her with a knife.
Donavan Tan Tung Wei, a Singapore permanent resident from Malaysia, earlier pleaded guilty to one charge each of voluntarily causing hurt and criminal intimidation.
Another charge of using criminal force by spitting on his mother’s face was taken into consideration for sentencing.
The court previously heard that the incident happened after his mother saw cigarette butts and ashes all over her living room and kitchen on the morning of July 25 last year.
Seeing the mess, she went into her bedroom and cried. She then saw that her son had entered the kitchen and went there to speak to him.
However, he shouted vulgarities at her before walking away.
She began cleaning up his mess and later saw him on the sofa smoking and drinking beer. When she approached him again in an attempt at reconciliation, he grew angry and punched her right arm a few times.
Tan’s older sister heard the commotion and went to the living room, then saw her brother throw a cigarette butt at their mother and punch her on her shoulder.
When the older woman ran to the kitchen, Tan cornered her near the kitchen sink and spat on her. He then retrieved a kitchen knife, stood very close to her and pointed the weapon at her, saying he would kill her.
He also said that she was a “piece of ****” and spat on her face a few times.
She managed to get away from him and leave the kitchen but he pursued her around the house. She then ran out of the flat and he continued following her, asking her if she would call the police.
Afraid that he would harm her further, she told him that she just wanted to water the plants along the corridor.
Growing upset again when he saw that she had put on his slippers, he locked the gate of their flat and tossed the keys out of a window. The keys landed on the ground floor of the housing block.
His mother then called a former police officer from Nanyang Neighbourhood Police Centre who was previously in charge of disputes arising from the family. He proceeded to call the police.
Tan was arrested at home. Investigations revealed that he was intoxicated at the time.
As part of his probation conditions, he has to remain indoors from 10pm to 6am daily and perform 50 hours of community service.
District Judge Kessler Soh also ordered him to attend counselling and undergo psychological or psychiatric treatment, and comply with any medication prescribed to him as required.
His parents posted a bond of S$5,000 to ensure his good behaviour during the probation period.
Those convicted of causing hurt can be jailed for up to two years or fined up to S$5,000, or both.
Those convicted of criminal intimidation by threatening someone with death can be jailed for up to seven years.
