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SINGAPORE – A former lawyer who was jailed for misappropriating his clients’ legal fees died a week after receiving his prison sentence, the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) said in a statement on Thursday (October 8).
Zaminder Singh Gill was found unconscious and immobile in his cell by prison officials early Monday morning. An officer administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation until paramedics arrived to take him to Changi General Hospital (CGH), where he was pronounced dead that morning.
The cause of death for Zaminder is hypertensive heart disease. SPS said a forensic investigation will be conducted, according to standard procedure for deaths that occur in prison.
Last Monday, Zaminder was sentenced to two years and three months in jail after pleading guilty to five of the 15 counts of criminal breach of trust as a lawyer. The charges involved $ 31,550 in all the misappropriation of 16 clients between January 2017 and June of last year.
Zaminder, who was called to the Singapore Bar in 2005, did not object to the sentence requested by the prosecution and cried on the dock, saying that he was “really sorry” and that he had “lost everything.”
In its statement, SPS said that Zaminder was held on remand for the first time at Changi Prison on October 16 last year.
He was referred to CGH on August 19 of this year after an abnormal EKG reading. He was not admitted and referred to a cardiologist. Three days later, the cardiologist ordered more tests.
This past Wednesday, Zaminder attended a scheduled test at the hospital, but was admitted because he complained of chest pain during the appointment.
He was discharged from the hospital last Friday, with a follow-up test scheduled for December 1.
As a precaution, Zaminder was admitted to the SPS medical center for follow-up after his discharge. On Sunday, an SPS medical officer evaluated Zaminder in stable condition and allowed him to return to his normal cell, where he was left alone.
Officers found him unconscious and immobile at 7.44 a.m. the next day.
SPS said it is in contact with Zaminder’s family and will continue to provide support and assistance.
Lawyer Who Pocketed Nearly $ 32,000 In Incarcerated Client Fees
