Summary of [2024] SGHC 316 Judgment

Case Details

• Court: General Division of the High Court of Singapore
• Case Number: Criminal Case No 63 of 2024
• Judgment Date: Sentence announced on 6 December 2024
• Judge: Aidan Xu @ Aedit Abdullah J
• Parties:
  • Public Prosecutor
  • Accused: Chong Shiong Hui

Brief Remarks by Aidan Xu @ Aedit Abdullah J

Charges

• Accused pleaded guilty to one charge of attempted murder under s307(1) of the Penal Code.
• Two other charges under ss426 and 427 of the Penal Code were considered for sentencing.
• Sentencing arguments included proposals for 10 years imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane from the defense.

Conclusion

• The court concluded that a 16-year imprisonment with 5 strokes of the cane was appropriate.
• Emphasized the need for retribution and general deterrence over rehabilitative aspects due to the viciousness and persistence of the attack.

Circumstances of the Offense

1. Pre-Attack Actions:

   • Sent multiple threatening WhatsApp messages.
   • Attempted calls to the victim.
   • Went to the victim’s home with a concealed chopper, petrol, and cigarettes.
   • Deflated the victim’s husband’s car tire and switched off the main power switch.
   • Continued sending threats, including showing photographs of weapons.

2. Attack Scenario:

   • Lured the victim to his parents’ home under the pretense of a discussion.
   • Armed with a chopper and a kitchen knife.
   • Conducted a persistent and vicious attack on the victim resulting in multiple slashes and attempted further harm.
   • Stopped by his mother, allowing the victim to escape.

Sentencing Considerations

• Blameworthiness: High due to premeditated nature and escalation of plan.
• Harm: Serious physical injuries and psychological impact on the victim.
• Mitigatory Factors: Plea of guilt was the only considerable factor.

Judge’s Comments on Sentencing

• Stressed the need for a punishment that reflects the severity and persistence of the attack.
• Compared with Public Prosecutor v Shoo Ah San case where a 15-year sentence was given without caning due to offender's age.
• Clarified that severe sentences are typically reserved for trial cases, but acknowledged potential for maximum sentences even in plea cases with exceptional circumstances.

Final Sentence

• 16 years imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane, backdated to 30 November 2019 when first remanded.

Legal Representation

• For Prosecution: Andre Chong Wei Min, Kay Boon Khai Jordy (Attorney-General’s Chambers)
• For Accused: Sunil Sudheesan, Khoo Hui-Hui Joyce, Teh Ryan Christopher Wei Jun (Quahe Woo & Palmer LLC)