Post by : Shakul

A Singapore court has sentenced a 63-year-old man to life imprisonment for killing his roommate after months of disputes while living together in a one-room rental flat. The court found that the attack was deliberate and involved pouring boiling cooking oil on the victim before repeatedly stabbing him.

The victim, a 61-year-old man, had reportedly shared the apartment with the accused for an extended period. Their relationship had deteriorated over disagreements involving smoking, laundry, noise, money, and visitors to the flat. Previous conflicts had even led to a police report after the victim alleged that he had been threatened.

Attack Planned After Ongoing Disputes

According to court findings, the accused decided he could no longer tolerate his roommate following another argument. He heated cooking oil mixed with chopped chillies, armed himself with a knife, and entered the room while the victim was asleep.

The victim awoke after the boiling oil was poured onto his face and was then repeatedly stabbed. Despite pleading for medical help, he did not receive assistance. The court heard that the victim suffered dozens of injuries during the assault before dying inside the flat.

Accused Left Scene After Incident

After confirming the victim had died, the accused took cash belonging to the victim, left the apartment, visited a temple to pray, and later spent the money before surrendering himself to the police the following day.

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Investigators later recovered the victim's body inside the apartment. Medical findings showed the victim sustained numerous stab wounds, while the burns from the boiling oil caused severe pain but were not the direct cause of death.

Court Considers Mental Health Assessment

A psychiatric assessment found the accused had below-average intellectual functioning but did not meet the criteria for intellectual disability. The defence highlighted his medical conditions, difficult personal circumstances, and eventual surrender to authorities while requesting a life sentence instead of capital punishment.

The prosecution did not oppose life imprisonment. The court also noted that the accused was above the legal age for caning and therefore could not receive corporal punishment under Singapore law.

Judge Explains Life Sentence

The judge stated that the attack showed a clear intention to inflict significant pain and suffering. However, the court also considered the accused's remorse, confession, and surrender before deciding that life imprisonment was the appropriate sentence instead of the death penalty.

Authorities said the case highlights the tragic consequences that can result from unresolved personal conflicts and prolonged disputes within shared living arrangements.

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