[ad_1]
SINGAPORE – While limping toward the elevator with a cane, a man partially paralyzed by a stroke became angry at a woman who was unable to hold the elevator door for him.
After a tense exchange in the elevator about the incident, Seo Chye Sin and the victim, a 46-year-old Thai national, walked out into the elevator lobby and fought, as Seo pushed the woman in the upper chest with force.
Seo, 51, was fined $ 3,750 on Tuesday (October 27), after he pleaded guilty to one count each of willfully causing harm and using criminal force against the woman, who is a permanent resident of Singapore. He had a charge of sexually abusing the woman that was taken into account for the sentence.
Seo had suffered a stroke and was admitted to the National University Hospital in 2016. The stroke caused partial paralysis of the left side of his body, restricting the use of his left arm.
Because of his condition, Seo is struggling to find employment and has not had a job since the stroke, said his attorney Terence Seah of Virtus Law. Seo’s wife earns $ 1,000 a month to support the family, including two children ages 15 and 21.
Background to the incident
On January 27 of last year, around 7 p.m., Seo was on the ground floor of an HDB block on Choa Chu Kang Avenue 2 when the victim entered the elevator before him. As he walked towards the elevator with his cane, Seo asked the victim to wait for him. However, the victim pressed the button for the fourth floor and the elevator doors began to close.
Seo reached the elevator at this point and held his cane close to the doors to prevent them from closing. Then he entered the elevator and pressed the button for floor 15. Turning to the victim, he asked why the woman did not open the doors for him and the two argued.
The elevator did not stop at the fourth floor, prompting the victim to push for his floor again. Seo then asked him to “push harder” and the duo started looking at each other.
When the elevator reached Seo’s floor, he got out but prevented the elevator doors from closing and asked the victim “What do you want?” She approached the victim, who raised her hands to prevent him from touching her. The pair then exited the elevator and got into a brief fight, where both Seo’s cane and the victim’s mobile phone fell to the ground.
Seo pushed the victim onto his chest. The victim then pushed Seo up to pick up her mobile phone, but Seo punched her in the head multiple times, causing her to scream for help. At this point, Seo’s wife and son heard the commotion and separated them. The woman called a friend who stayed on the block to call the police.
Upon seeking medical attention the next day, the victim was diagnosed with a bruise on his right eyebrow.
Generally non-mitigating personal circumstances
Citing Seo’s medical condition, Seah sought a fine of $ 1,800 for her client.
“He did not let his unfortunate circumstances discourage him and during his inpatient rehabilitation, he not only focused on maximizing his recovery during the period, but he voluntarily spoke with other patients to help motivate them in their rehabilitation,” the attorney said. Seo was invited to the National University Hospital a year after his condition occurred to speak to and motivate other people in similar circumstances.
Seo’s actions were observed by a senior physical therapist, who sent a letter to the court testifying to Seo’s good character and positivity in the face of her challenges.
However, Assistant District Attorney Kathy Chu noted that personal circumstances were generally not extenuating unless they were exceptional.
The prosecution sought a fine of at least $ 4,800, citing Seo’s assault on the woman.
Four Orchard Rd Malls Among Additions to COVID Place List
Quilt Created by Lee Suet Fern Auctioned for $ 33,000 by Social Enterprise Food Court
Donald Trump in Asia: a look back at key events in the region between 2017 and 2019
