Case Overview

A man⁤ named Tan was sentenced after⁢ pleading guilty to charges of theft and voluntarily causing hurt with a dangerous weapon (scissors). The prosecutor argued that⁢ Tan’s repeated offenses,despite prior jail time,demonstrated “a blatant disregard for the law.” The incident occurred while Tan was⁤ homeless, and he now resides in a rental flat.

Defense Plea and Mitigation

Ariffin sha, a defense ⁤lawyer from Abbots⁢ Chambers recently admitted to the Bar, requested an⁤ 18-week jail sentence. He argued that Tan had reflected⁣ on ⁢his actions and understood the wrongfulness of stealing and allowing others to steal. Mr.Ariffin emphasized that tan had also learned to‍ de-escalate perhaps volatile situations by ⁤”keeping cool and walking away even if he is provoked.”

Mr.Ariffin ⁣highlighted Tan’s challenging circumstances, noting he had been homeless since 2017 and only secured a rental flat in Ang Mo Kio last year. He ⁤expressed Tan’s desire to maintain stable housing and become a contributing member of society.

Despite currently being wheelchair-bound due to spinal and nerve issues, Tan aspires to ⁤work as a cook, a passion he intends to ⁣pursue through upskilling classes once his health improves. He also plans to make full restitution for the theft⁢ after his release.

The‍ lawyer stated that the injury inflicted during the scissors incident was minor and did not⁣ require medical attention or hospitalization.

Potential Penalties

According to Singaporean law, voluntarily causing hurt ⁣with ⁤a dangerous weapon carries a potential sentence of up to seven years imprisonment, a ⁤fine, ⁣caning, or any combination thereof. Theft carries a potential sentence of up to seven years imprisonment and ⁢a fine.