Today : Now a higher fine

05:55 AM Nov 19, 2009

SINGAPORE - A man who had scoffed at a fine imposed on him by a district court avoided a possible jail term at an appeal hearing yesterday after a judge took into account his health problems and age. The fine was, however, quadrupled.

Lee Kok Leong, the former management committee chairman of the Laguna Park condominium, was hauled to court in January after he was caught pouring glue on the padlocks of two neighbours amid a row between residents in Laguna Park over whether the estate should go en bloc.

Following a hearing in April, Lee, the general manager of a logistics firm, allegedly told reporters that he was not remorseful despite pleading guilty to mischief.

He allegedly said that he could afford the $1,200 fine since he spent $4,000 a night at a karaoke lounge.

Prosecutors, incensed by the remarks, appealed against the fine.

In court yesterday, Deputy Public Prosecutor Lee Jwee Nguan - short of specifically asking Justice Chao Hick Tin to send Lee to prison - asked the court to impose a sentence of "sufficient deterrence to send a message that mocking the court in such a fashion and perpetuating such fraud on the judiciary will not be tolerated".

But Lee's lawyer, Mr Ramesh Tiwary, questioned the necessity of a jail term.

"Everything said and done, does he really deserve to go to prison because he told some reporters 'I can afford it'?" said Mr Tiwary. "On hindsight, he should have just kept quiet."

Mr Tiwary said Lee suffers from depression and a sleeping disorder which requires him to have a machine at bedside to keep his airway open when he sleeps.

Agreeing with the prosecutor that Lee had mocked the court, Justice Chao told Lee: "The statement you gave to the journalists after the sentence at the court below was wholly deplorable because you scoffed at the court."

However, Justice Chao noted Lee's medical condition and the fact that he is a grandfather.

"We are supposed to act more responsibly," said the judge, who ordered Lee to pay a $4,800 fine. "I hope you are truly sorry this time and not leaving this court and muttering something else after I pass the sentence."

A solemn looking Lee told the court he was "truly sorry".

After the hearing, Mr Tiwary stopped Lee from speaking to the media. This time, Lee kept silent.