Updated: 04/08/2014 12:34 | By Channel NewsAsia
Inmate gets 10 years’ jail for attacking prisons officer
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SINGAPORE: An inmate whose 12-year imprisonment term is set to end next year has been given another 10 years' jail for attacking a senior prisons officer.
Sociago Kennard, 53, had punched and repeatedly stabbed Assistant Superintendent Jaiy Santosh Annanthan, 26, with a pair of scissors at an office in Changi Prison on June 26 last year.
The court heard ASP Jaiy underwent emergency surgery following the incident, and that he still feels the effects of the attack today.
ASP Jaiy still gets dizzy spells and experiences breathing difficulties whenever he tries to exercise.
The prosecutors had originally called for a 12-year jail sentence based on Kennard's previous criminal records -- which included armed robbery and violence -- as well as his risk of re-offending.
The court heard that based on a psychiatric report, Kennard has a 49 to 60 per cent chance of re-offending.
But Kennard's defence lawyer described the 12-year sentence as "draconian", and urged the court to consider that Kennard had only offended once during his 12 years in Changi Prison.
District Judge Low Wee Ping said in deciding Kennard's sentence, he focused on the public's interest.
He added that the risk of Kennard's re-offending, especially in cases related to violence, is worrying.
Kennard could have been jailed a maximum of 15 years and caned.
He is spared the cane as he is above the age of 50. - CNA/nd
