<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR>Impose harsher penalties in assault cases
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I REFER to the report, 'Staring incident leads to fatal attack' (Jan 8). It is disturbing to read quite frequently about such assaults. The final outcome for perpetrators who are caught may be a fine or jail term or, in this case, the death penalty if they are convicted of murder.
Now, there is another case involving a woman who was assaulted at Bugis MRT station, resulting in coma and loss of memory.
What recourse do such victims and their families have, without having to take out a private lawsuit against those responsible, as some may not be able to afford it?
Can they win any form of damages?
Perhaps, in line with the proposed changes to the Penal Code, tougher penalties should be considered, including mandatory caning, regardless of whether a weapon was used or not.
In cases involving the use of weapons, including hitting someone on the head with a glass bottle, the perpetrator should be given a minimum of six strokes of the cane. If death results, the charge should be murder. For unprovoked assault without a weapon, a minimum of three strokes should be considered.
Singapore prides itself on having one of the lowest crime rates in the world. We should maintain that reputation and not let the guilty off with a fine or jail term, which some will take as a 'holiday camp'. Arthur Lim
Who say penalty not harsh? U try torching my MP and see what u kena? *hee*hee*
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I REFER to the report, 'Staring incident leads to fatal attack' (Jan 8). It is disturbing to read quite frequently about such assaults. The final outcome for perpetrators who are caught may be a fine or jail term or, in this case, the death penalty if they are convicted of murder.
Now, there is another case involving a woman who was assaulted at Bugis MRT station, resulting in coma and loss of memory.
What recourse do such victims and their families have, without having to take out a private lawsuit against those responsible, as some may not be able to afford it?
Can they win any form of damages?
Perhaps, in line with the proposed changes to the Penal Code, tougher penalties should be considered, including mandatory caning, regardless of whether a weapon was used or not.
In cases involving the use of weapons, including hitting someone on the head with a glass bottle, the perpetrator should be given a minimum of six strokes of the cane. If death results, the charge should be murder. For unprovoked assault without a weapon, a minimum of three strokes should be considered.
Singapore prides itself on having one of the lowest crime rates in the world. We should maintain that reputation and not let the guilty off with a fine or jail term, which some will take as a 'holiday camp'. Arthur Lim
Who say penalty not harsh? U try torching my MP and see what u kena? *hee*hee*
