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https://sg.news.yahoo.com/man-set-fire-outside-flat-bishan-jailed-6-months-121552070.html
Man who set fire outside flat in Bishan jailed 6 months
Suhaile Md
Reporter
Yahoo News Singapore 27 April 2018
Singapore’s State Courts. (PHOTO: Dhany Osman / Yahoo News Singapore)
A man who set fire outside an HDB flat in Bishan at the request of a fellow ex-gang member was jailed six months on Friday (27 April).
Manikandan R Gunasegaran, 21, pleaded guilty to one charge of mischief by fire on the same day in the State Courts. He was out on bail when he committed the offence on 19 January. He had earlier been convicted for money-lending offences and was due to start his jail term for these offences.
Hours before he set fire to the flat at Bishan Street 24, Manikandan was out drinking at Duxton Road where he met a childhood friend. Both of them were formerly from the same secret society. The friend told Manikandan that he had a problem with someone and asked him to set fire on the corridor outside the flat.
While he was on his way to commit the offence, Manikandan found a container and some paper at a rubbish collection area. He used the container to store petrol that he had stolen from a motorcycle nearby.
Manikandan had his head covered to avoid any camera capturing his face when he was at the flat at about 12.40am. After pouring the petrol in front of the door, he lit the paper with a lighter. He threw the paper on the floor, causing a fire. He fled a few minutes later, and threw the container away.
The residents of the flat did not know about the incident until around 6am, when one of them was leaving for work and noticed the burn marks and burnt smell on the floor and the main door.
The police were informed about the incident and arrested Manikandan the following day. The cost of damages from the fire was estimated to be $915.
After he was sentenced, Manikandan, who was unrepresented, asked the court to let the six-month jail term for the latest offence run concurrently with his current jail term, which ends in May next year. Speaking in Tamil through an interpreter, Manikandan said he hopes for an earlier release to pursue his further studies.
Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Gail Wong, however, objected to Manikandan’s request as releasing him earlier would mean that he escapes punishment for the latest offence.
Judge Edgar Foo agreed with DPP Wong, saying that Manikandan can make arrangements to study while in prison.
During the proceedings, Manikandan looked restless, swaying his shoulders sideways. He also smiled at times while speaking to the interpreter.
For committing mischief by fire, Manikandan could have been jailed up to seven years, and given a fine.
Man who set fire outside flat in Bishan jailed 6 months
Suhaile Md
Reporter
Yahoo News Singapore 27 April 2018
Singapore’s State Courts. (PHOTO: Dhany Osman / Yahoo News Singapore)
A man who set fire outside an HDB flat in Bishan at the request of a fellow ex-gang member was jailed six months on Friday (27 April).
Manikandan R Gunasegaran, 21, pleaded guilty to one charge of mischief by fire on the same day in the State Courts. He was out on bail when he committed the offence on 19 January. He had earlier been convicted for money-lending offences and was due to start his jail term for these offences.
Hours before he set fire to the flat at Bishan Street 24, Manikandan was out drinking at Duxton Road where he met a childhood friend. Both of them were formerly from the same secret society. The friend told Manikandan that he had a problem with someone and asked him to set fire on the corridor outside the flat.
While he was on his way to commit the offence, Manikandan found a container and some paper at a rubbish collection area. He used the container to store petrol that he had stolen from a motorcycle nearby.
Manikandan had his head covered to avoid any camera capturing his face when he was at the flat at about 12.40am. After pouring the petrol in front of the door, he lit the paper with a lighter. He threw the paper on the floor, causing a fire. He fled a few minutes later, and threw the container away.
The residents of the flat did not know about the incident until around 6am, when one of them was leaving for work and noticed the burn marks and burnt smell on the floor and the main door.
The police were informed about the incident and arrested Manikandan the following day. The cost of damages from the fire was estimated to be $915.
After he was sentenced, Manikandan, who was unrepresented, asked the court to let the six-month jail term for the latest offence run concurrently with his current jail term, which ends in May next year. Speaking in Tamil through an interpreter, Manikandan said he hopes for an earlier release to pursue his further studies.
Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Gail Wong, however, objected to Manikandan’s request as releasing him earlier would mean that he escapes punishment for the latest offence.
Judge Edgar Foo agreed with DPP Wong, saying that Manikandan can make arrangements to study while in prison.
During the proceedings, Manikandan looked restless, swaying his shoulders sideways. He also smiled at times while speaking to the interpreter.
For committing mischief by fire, Manikandan could have been jailed up to seven years, and given a fine.
