Benjamin Chia Yit Loong, a 23-year-old National University of Singapore (NUS) student, appeared in the State Courts today (Dec 17) where his charge was upgraded from causing public nuisance to committing mischief.
The amendment follows allegations that he deflated the tyres of several vehicles and distributed flyers linked to an environmental protest against SUVs.
Chia was originally charged on November 21 for deflating the tyres of five cars on November 19 at a car park located at Blocks 517A and 519A Woodlands Drive 14.
According Channel News Asia, he is now accused of deflating the tyres of seven cars by inserting green beans into their valve stems, with the incidents occurring between 10 AM and 12 PM on the same day.
Chia did not enter a plea during the session.
Chia was granted permission to travel to Perth from December 21, 2024, to January 12, 2025, to visit family. Mr. Singh informed the court that the trip had been planned months in advance, with flight tickets purchased in July 2024. Chia is expected to stay with his grandmother while visiting Australia.
Despite the travel plans, the prosecution argued that there was no immediate necessity for Chia to travel but requested additional bail conditions if the court approved the application.
District Judge Wong Li Tein agreed, imposing an additional bail of S$10,000 on Chia. The judge also mandated that he provide a complete travel itinerary to the investigating officer and remain contactable throughout his trip.
The case has been adjourned to January 14, 2025, as both parties await further developments.
The incident came to light when a car owner reported the deflation of her vehicle’s tyres to the police at around 12:50 PM on November 19.
A flyer linked to the incident, which criticized the use of SUVs for their environmental impact, was later shared on social media.
An NUS spokesperson previously indicated that the university would take appropriate disciplinary actions following the conclusion of the court proceedings. Chia now faces a more severe maximum penalty under the charge of mischief, which can result in up to two years in prison, a fine, or both, compared to the three-month maximum for public nuisance.
Images via Facebook
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