SUN PLAZA, SINGAPORE – A late-night craving for McDonald’s turned into a bizarre courtroom drama this week as Mohammad Hisyam Basheer, 41, stood trial for snatch theft. The incident, which unfolded near a McDonald’s outlet in Sembawang at approximately 1:45 am on , involved a bag of burgers and nuggets valued at S$21 (US$16.60) and a swift escape on a bicycle.
The case took an unusual turn on , when Hisyam, already remanded for nearly nine months, refused to verbally engage with the court. According to reports, he initially indicated a desire to conduct proceedings in Arabic, despite having previously used English and Malay in court sessions. Deputy Principal District Judge Kessler Soh, after repeated attempts to gain a response, stated that Hisyam “obviously understands English and/or Malay” and proceeded with the trial in English.
The prosecution offered Hisyam a plea deal, suggesting it could lead to his relatively swift release given his extended remand period. However, Hisyam remained unresponsive, even covering his face with his mask when the charge was read to him. When asked to enter a plea, he reportedly shrugged his shoulders.
“I Want Burger”
The prosecution’s case hinges on the testimony of Christopher Joseph Peter, 20, who was with his sister when the incident occurred. Peter described a seemingly random act of aggression. He and his sister had purchased food, including two cheeseburgers for their mother, and were preparing to leave the Sun Plaza McDonald’s when Hisyam approached them.
“Suddenly this guy comes toward us and said, ‘I want burger’,” Peter testified. “He took the bag from my hand and it tore. He bent down slightly, picked up the McDonald’s bag (and) said ‘f*** off’ before cycling away.” Peter characterized the thief as appearing “determined” and noted the speed of the event left him initially stunned. “I was just like, what is happening? Is this real?”
Peter and his sister were left in a state of shock, debating whether to call the police or their mother first. They ultimately did both, waiting at the McDonald’s for law enforcement to arrive. Peter also detailed their order, noting they had consumed 20-piece nuggets and a McChicken burger meal, estimating the cheeseburgers cost around S$7 and the nuggets between S$10 and S$14.
Peter’s sister corroborated his account, stating she was “extremely confused and stunned” by the sudden demand for a burger and the subsequent theft. She echoed her brother’s description of the man cycling towards them, dismounting, and making the unusual request.
CCTV Footage Offers Limited Clarity
The prosecution presented closed-circuit television footage of the incident, but the quality was reportedly poor, with the figure of the cyclist obscured. When asked to identify the cyclist, Peter was unable to confirm it was Hisyam. However, after Hisyam briefly removed his mask at the judge’s request, Peter responded with a hesitant, “Maybe?”
Hisyam faces a potential sentence of up to seven years in prison and caning if convicted of snatch theft. He also has two other charges pending, stemming from separate incidents in . These include allegedly throwing a burger towards the kitchen at Burger King in Changi Airport Terminal 1 and causing a disturbance by pushing utensils and condiments off the counter, accompanied by abusive language.
The trial continues, leaving the court to determine whether Hisyam’s actions were a calculated theft or a bizarre, impulsive act fueled by a late-night craving. The case highlights the unusual circumstances that can unfold even in the most mundane of settings, turning a simple trip to McDonald’s into a legal battle.
