German tourists face caning in Singapore
Two German tourists have been sentenced to nine months in prison and three strikes with a cane for spraying graffiti in the conservative city's underground rail system.
Judge Liew Thiam Leng said on Thursday the two culprits had carried out a premeditated crime after previously scouting out the scene.
Although the accused pleaded guilty, he accepted the prosecution's demands for a severe punishment, arguing that it should also serve as a deterrent to others.
The corporal punishment is to be administered with a cane against the prisoners' naked buttocks
"This is the darkest episode in my life," the 22-year-old accused told the court. "I'm so upset with myself that I carried out this idiotic act."
"I promise never to do such a thing again," his 21-year-old partner in crime said. "I must not only apologise to you but also to my family, who I have let down."
The pair did not question the prosecutor's version of events - that in November of last year they infiltrated an underground station and spray-painted a train carriage.
Their defender, Christopher Bridges, pleaded for a five month jail sentence and three canings. He also appealed for leniency.
"Since I met the two for the first time I have seen a clear transformation. I believe they deeply regret their crime," he said.
As proof, Bridges cited the fact that the family had gathered money and sent train operator, SMRT a cheque to cover the repair of the damage.
SMRT, however, sent the cheque back.
The accused were brought into the court in handcuffs. Both wore white t-shirts with the inscription "prisoner" on the back.
Left of the judge's lectern stood the evidence: twelve spray cans.
Spraying graffiti is considered a serious crime in Singapore. The city-state places considerable emphasis on discipline, order and above all cleanliness. Vandalism is severely punished.
In 2010 a Swiss man was sentenced to five months in jail and three canings for a similar crime.
The two youths from Leipzig were arrested in Malaysia two weeks after the crime.
Since then they have been detained in custody, a period which will be included in the sentence.
They are due for release in August.
Comments
See Also
Judge Liew Thiam Leng said on Thursday the two culprits had carried out a premeditated crime after previously scouting out the scene.
Although the accused pleaded guilty, he accepted the prosecution's demands for a severe punishment, arguing that it should also serve as a deterrent to others.
The corporal punishment is to be administered with a cane against the prisoners' naked buttocks
"This is the darkest episode in my life," the 22-year-old accused told the court. "I'm so upset with myself that I carried out this idiotic act."
"I promise never to do such a thing again," his 21-year-old partner in crime said. "I must not only apologise to you but also to my family, who I have let down."
Their defender, Christopher Bridges, pleaded for a five month jail sentence and three canings. He also appealed for leniency.
"Since I met the two for the first time I have seen a clear transformation. I believe they deeply regret their crime," he said.
As proof, Bridges cited the fact that the family had gathered money and sent train operator, SMRT a cheque to cover the repair of the damage.
SMRT, however, sent the cheque back.
The accused were brought into the court in handcuffs. Both wore white t-shirts with the inscription "prisoner" on the back.
Left of the judge's lectern stood the evidence: twelve spray cans.
Spraying graffiti is considered a serious crime in Singapore. The city-state places considerable emphasis on discipline, order and above all cleanliness. Vandalism is severely punished.
In 2010 a Swiss man was sentenced to five months in jail and three canings for a similar crime.
The two youths from Leipzig were arrested in Malaysia two weeks after the crime.
Since then they have been detained in custody, a period which will be included in the sentence.
They are due for release in August.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.