A 19-year-old youth who deliberately set fire to several pop-up booths at VivoCity and HarbourFront Centre while struggling with depression has been convicted of mischief. He is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on January 19, 2026.
Key Highlights:
- Sentencing set for Jan 19, 2026; each charge carries up to 3 months’ jail and a fine.
- Teen set fires at VivoCity and HarbourFront booths, causing over $27,000 in damages.
- Diagnosed with depression and OCD, his actions were linked to impaired judgment.
- Court ordered reports on probation and mandatory treatment suitability.
Yogesh Pubalan Pubalan pleaded guilty on November 3 to two counts of mischief by fire. A third similar charge will be taken into consideration during sentencing. His actions caused more than $27,000 in damages across both malls.
According to Straits Times report, on the night of March 19, Yogesh was wandering around VivoCity feeling depressed when he suddenly felt an urge to set things on fire.
At around 11.10pm, he approached a Polo Ralph Lauren pop-up booth on the first floor of the mall, which had closed for the day. After ensuring no one was nearby, he took a lighter from his pocket and ignited the black cloth covering the booth. He then stood close by, watching the flames spread.
Passers-by eventually put out the blaze, but not before it caused more than $17,000 in damages.
Minutes later, Yogesh moved on to an Oh!Sunny booth and set it alight in the same manner, resulting in approximately $900 in losses.
At about 11.40pm, he crossed over to the main atrium of HarbourFront Centre and set fire to a Refash booth. The flames damaged racks and clothing worth over $9,000 before being extinguished by the public.
Yogesh was arrested the following day.
A psychiatrist from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) later diagnosed Yogesh with major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The doctor found that he was likely experiencing a relapse at the time and that his actions were linked to impaired judgment and self-control, the report added.
According to the IMH report, Yogesh’s fire-setting was likely a form of emotional release rather than a deliberate act of malice.
Prosecution and defence submissions
Deputy Public Prosecutor Karl Tan described the offences as serious, given the potential danger to property and lives. However, he noted that Yogesh’s young age and mental condition warranted consideration for probation and mandatory treatment.
The prosecution also highlighted that Yogesh has made only $1,200 in restitution so far. DPP Tan argued that full repayment should be made, as the fires disrupted the livelihoods of businesses and their employees.
Public Defender Mohamed Sarhan, representing Yogesh, said his client’s actions stemmed from emotional distress rather than ill intent. He added that forthcoming reports would detail his family’s financial difficulties.
Judge calls for rehabilitation reports
District Judge Carol Ling ordered reports to assess Yogesh’s suitability for probation and mandatory treatment, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation given his mental health background.
While she held off on requesting a report for reformative training—a stricter rehabilitation programme—Judge Ling said she may consider it at a later stage depending on the findings.
Each charge of mischief carries a maximum sentence of three months’ imprisonment and a fine.
Yogesh’s case will return to court for sentencing on January 19, 2026.
Image via Google for illustration only
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