Chia Yin Xiang Harry, 26, was sentenced on Monday, July 21, to two-and-a-half years in prison along with 12 strokes of the cane after pleading guilty to charges including attempted robbery, possession of a weapon, and using abusive language against public officers.
Two additional charges were taken into consideration during sentencing.
OFFENCES
According to Channel News Asia, on August 18, 2023, outside Tiong Bahru Plaza, two auxiliary police officers attached to the National Environment Agency (NEA) observed Chia discarding a lit cigarette on the ground, an offence under the Environmental Public Health Act.
When the officers requested his identity card to check for previous offences, Chia responded dismissively, saying, “A lot of offence already, so you want (to) charge just charge la.” He then cursed, crushed the notice slip issued to him, and threw it away in front of the officers.
Despite their explanations, Chia continued to curse, pointed his middle finger at them, and remained uncooperative, saying, “You all every time check, check, check (vulgarity), you think smoking place easy to find ah.”
After further provocation, Chia left the scene, prompting the officers to lodge a police report.
POSSESSION OF A KNUCKLEDUSTER AND GANG-RELATED CLAIMS
On March 14, 2022, police received a report of a man with a knuckleduster at Yishun.
Officers found Chia at Block 306, Yishun Central, with the weapon, which he claimed he had purchased at 13 but could not remember where. He explained that he carried it due to conflicts with alleged gang members, although the supposed meeting was not happening.
The court noted Chia’s lack of recollection regarding the weapon’s origin.
ATTEMPTED ROBBERY AT CHOA CHU KANG
On April 13, 2024, Chia left his home in Choa Chu Kang after a dispute with his grandmother, who refused to give him money. He then approached a cashier at UStars Convenience Store at Block 810B, Choa Chu Kang Avenue 7, around 2:45 am, and falsely claimed to have stolen a bottle of green tea, which the cashier offered to return without action.
Chia returned shortly after with a metal rod, which he held against the cashier’s neck and demanded money. The cashier managed to de-escalate the situation, convincing Chia to leave, and a police report was filed.
SENTENCING AND COURT’S REMARKS
The prosecution emphasized Chia’s “complete lack of regard for lawful authority,” noting his repeated disrespect and aggression toward officers and the public.
Chia pleaded guilty to one charge each of attempted robbery, possession of a weapon, and abusive words.
Two other charges were considered in sentencing.
The court sentenced Chia to 2.5 years’ imprisonment and 12 strokes of the cane, with six strokes for attempted robbery and extortion, and six for possessing a knuckleduster.
Image via Google
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