Man gets 7 years' jail, 24 strokes for crime spree
By Leong Wee Keat | Posted: 03 September 2010 1234 hrs
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SINGAPORE: A man who went on a crime spree after learning he could have contracted the HIV virus from his girlfriend, was jailed for seven years and order to be caned 24 strokes in a District Court this morning.
Goh Kar Wai, who's 39, had robbed four women at knife point as they were leaving their parked cars. The incidents occurred between June and July this year.
After robbing the women, Goh also drove away in the cars and abandoned the vehicles at other parts of the island. The vehicles Goh had driven off with were a Toyota Vios, a Suzuki Vitara, a Perodua Kenari and a Opel Meriva.
Goh pleaded for leniency this morning and said he committed the offences after he found out his girlfriend had contracted the HIV virus. The delivery driver was also facing financial difficulty and was harassed by loansharks.
However, the prosecution argued that car-jacking cases in Singapore are rare and a deterrent message needs to be sent. Despite his personal circumstances, District Judge May Mesenas felt Goh chose his victims who were alone at night.
The Judge said public safety was also at risk. She jailed Goh for seven years and ordered him to be caned 24 strokes.
The prison authorities will conduct a medical examination before conducting the caning, the Judge said.
-CNA/wk