A 15-year-old boy who vaped until his mother called the police and verbally abused the responding officers has been sentenced to two years at the Singapore Boys’ Home.
He was dealt with on July 21 after pleading guilty to 12 charges, including voluntarily causing hurt, harassing a public servant, possessing a vape, and multiple shop theft offences.
According to ST, District Judge Amy Tung found probation unsuitable and ordered that the boy be placed in a juvenile rehabilitation centre. His identity is protected under the Children and Young Persons Act as he is under 18.
My son is going crazy
On May 1, the boy’s mother contacted police, saying: “My son is going crazy.” When two officers arrived, she showed them a vape and said her son’s behaviour had changed after using it.
The boy shouted at an officer who asked him to sit down. The officer noticed cuts on his legs and insisted paramedics assess his injuries, but the boy became aggressive, refused treatment, and hurled vulgarities. Court documents did not state if he was arrested that day.
Assault over Kpod Dispute
On March 5, the boy and his friend, identified as T, met another youth, V, to use vapes laced with etomidate (Kpods). When V refused to share his device, a violent confrontation erupted.
The pair punched and kicked V repeatedly, even as he lay bleeding on the ground. They threatened to slash him with a karambit knife if he did not hand over his belongings, then stole his Kpod.
V sustained a nasal bone fracture and lip contusion.
Shoplifting Incidents
The boy also committed a string of thefts in 2023 and 2024. He stole four packets of Kinder Bueno chocolates in June 2023, a $140 perfume bottle a month later, a pair of socks worth $5.90, and a gaming mouse valued at $189 in 2024.
Violent Attack on Teen
In July 2023, after hearing that a 13-year-old had insulted him and his friends, the boy and others confronted the victim at a multi-storey carpark. They punched and kicked him, slammed his head against the wall and ground, and left him unconscious for about 10 minutes.
When the victim regained consciousness, he vomited twice and was found with injuries to his ear, chest, abdomen, and knee. His aunt later lodged a police report.
Judge’s Considerations
The court heard that the boy’s father is serving a prison term and that his parents are divorced. His mother, who has sole custody, said she was unable to control him.
Judge Tung noted the absence of strong family support and supervision, ruling that probation was unsuitable. She emphasised that placement in a rehabilitation centre would give him access to professional guidance and structured supervision.
Tougher Rules on Vaping
The case comes amid stricter anti-vaping measures introduced on Sept 1. Fines for under-18 offenders were raised to $500, while adults face $700.
First-time users of Kpods must undergo mandatory rehabilitation. Repeat offenders face extended supervision and drug testing, while third-time abusers will be detained in a rehabilitation centre for treatment.
Those under 16 face compulsory supervision and testing for a year.
Image via ShinMin
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