In an apparent mistake, a vandal was given 8 instead of 5 strokes of the cane

Jun 30, 2007
AsiaOne

In an apparent mistake by prison officers, a 20-year-old offender was given three more strokes of the cane than his prescribed sentence of five.

The Straits Times (ST) reported today that the man's family will not seek mediation but instead take court action. Lawyer Joseph Chen, who is acting for the family, notified the Attorney-General's Chambers on Thursday of the decision and added that punitive as well as exemplary damages will be sought.

The caning was administered on March 29 during the prisoner's nine-month jail term period at Admiralty West Prison in Sembawang. This for two offences involving vandalism and abetting an illegal money-lending operation.

The offender's mother, Madam Ho Gee Lin, told The Straits Times last week that she had visited her son on the day when the caning was to be administered. He told her then that he was to be given eight strokes, instead of the five that was in his sentence.

The 52-year-old mother said her son had raised the mistake to the prison officials but they did not believe him. In a visit two weeks later, she learnt that her son had given eight strokes. Which meant that he had to be caned by two prison staff, who each delivered four strokes, to ensure that each stroke was delivered with the same tenacity.

Her 32-year-old daughter later checked with a court officer, Kelvin Kwek, to ascertain if the correct number of strokes was properly conveyed to the prison authorities. The reply she received was that "it was too late". The Straits Times reported that Mr Kwek has since left the subordinate courts.

Madam Ho says her son is being treated for mental trauma and depression. He is currently on home detention and is due to serve out his sentence in August.

In 1988, a 23-year-old offender convicted of armed robbery was given 48 strokes of the cane - twice the legal maximum allowed for an adult at a single trial.

He sued the government but the matter was subsequently settled out of court, said senior lawyer Peter Fernando who acted for him.

For the full report, read The Straits Times today.

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