Judge threatens to issue arrest warrant for absentee witness
POSTED: 07 May 2013 3:48 PM
The judge presiding over the corruption trial of the law professor warned that a warrant of arrest will be issued if a defence witness fails to turn up in court.
National University of Singapore (NUS) law professor Tey Tsun Hang. (photo: Francine Lim, channelnewsasia.com)
SINGAPORE: The judge presiding over the corruption trial of the law professor on Tuesday warned that a warrant of arrest will be issued if a defence witness fails to turn up in court.
This is the sternest warning yet from the Chief District Judge, Tan Siong Thye, who indicated that the trial be wrapped up today.
His warning follows a defence witness, Dr Tommy Tan's refusal to testify in court after being subpoenaed. Previously, the court heard Dr Tan underwent an eye operation and was not fit to testify.
On Tuesday, Senior Counsel Peter Low, who is representing Tey Tsun Hang in the sex-for-grades trial, told the court that Dr Tan is unable to testify in court as he was "busy with clients".
However, the judge ordered Mr Low to convey the ramifications to Dr Tan.
Later in the day, the court heard that Dr Tan is only able to attend court on Friday. However, the judge said he is to turn up on Wednesday, if not the warrant of arrest will be issued.
Earlier in the day, four witnesses gave evidence in court, including assistant registrar Colin Seow.
Tey, 42, faces six counts of corruptly obtaining gifts and sex from his former student, Darinne Ko, in return for giving her better grades between May and July 2010. If convicted, Tey could be jailed up to five years and fined S$100,000 on each charge.
- CNA/ac