5 jailed, caned in Downtown East fatal stabbing case

SINGAPORE: Five youths who stabbed and slashed a polytechnic student in a 2010 Downtown East fight have pleaded guilty to culpable homicide and were sentenced on Friday.

In the incident, 19—year—old Darren Ng Wei Jie died from his injuries after being slashed and stabbed with knives, choppers and a screwdriver by a group of more than 10 youths.

The five who were sentenced on Friday are:

• Ho Wui Ming, 22, was jailed 11 years, 3 months and sentenced to 10 strokes of the cane
• Chen Wei Zhen, 21, was sentenced to 10 years and 10 strokes
• Edward Tay Wei Loong, 20, was sentenced to 10 years and 10 strokes
• Louis Tong Qing Yao, 17, was sentenced to 8 years and 11 strokes
• Stilwell Ong Keat Pin, 20, was sentenced to 12 years and 12 strokes

Ong, believed to be the main culprit, received the stiffest sentence. Prosecutors argued that he had gathered the accused and other accomplices to Downtown East for the confrontation.

Two others also faced separate charges relating to moneylending, theft, and mischief.

Ho faced two other charges for theft and mischief, while Tong faced two moneylending—related charges.

In mitigation, their lawyers said the fight had erupted in the heat of the moment and that the boys were genuinely remorseful.

Seven others linked to the case have earlier been jailed and caned for rioting.

— CNA/wm