Updated: 09/23/2013 17:26 | By Channel NewsAsia
Man sentenced to 5 years’ corrective training for various offences
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SINGAPORE: A man who stole a gold bracelet and sparked off a dramatic chase was on Monday sentenced to five years' corrective training.
Goh Thiam Leng, 43, was also sentenced to 10 strokes of the cane for possessing an offensive weapon and for extortion.
Corrective training is a harsher form of prison term as the offender is unlikely to be given early release for factors such as good behaviour.
Three other charges, including attempting suicide using a piece of cloth torn from his clothing while in a police lockup, were taken into consideration for sentencing.
The court heard that on March 25 this year, Goh entered a jewellery shop in People's Park Complex and asked to try on a gold bracelet worth S$28,100.
After putting it on, he got up and walked towards the exit.
As he neared the exit, he broke into a run, prompting one of the shop's staff to shout "Robbery!".
A security guard and some members of the public gave chase.
Goh then took out a 20-centimetre-long knife and waved it at them.
It was only when one member of the public swung a wooden pole at Goh, hitting him on the head, that the knife was knocked out of his hands.
They then managed to pin him to the ground and tie his arms with a black cable till the police arrived.
The court also heard that two days before Goh robbed the store, he had attempted to extort S$20,000 from his former employer - 55-year-old stall owner Lee Choon Kiang.
It was the third time he had approached Mr Lee for money.
As Mr Lee was unwilling to give him the money, Goh then told him that he wanted S$20,000 or his life.
Mr Lee did not give in to his demand, instead offering Goh S$100 as transportation money.
Goh then took out a fruit knife and charged at Mr Lee.
In trying to ward off the attack, Mr Lee sustained a deep cut on his left finger.
For the various offences, Goh faced jail terms of between two and seven years, as well as caning and fines. - CNA/ms
