Nov 18, 2009
Court raises fine 4 times
<!-- by line --> By Selina Lum
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The High Court on Wednesday handed down a $4,800 fine to the former chairman of the Laguna Park management committee, Mr Lee Kok Leong (left) for mischief, quadrupling the initial sum handed down by a lower court. -- ST PHOTO: SHAHRIYA YAHAYA
<!-- story content : start --> THE High Court on Wednesday handed down a $4,800 fine to the former chairman of the Laguna Park management committee for mischief, quadrupling the initial sum handed down by a lower court. This came after the prosecution appealed for a stiffer sentence for Mr Lee Kok Leong, 63, who had put glue on the padlocks of two neighbours, against the backdrop of disputes over a proposed en bloc sale. The prosecution argued that Mr Lee was not remorseful for his actions because after he was sentenced, when interviewed by reporters, he scoffed at the fine, saying he spent more on a night of karaoke. The prosecution on Wednesday pressed for a sentence of 'sufficient gravity' and questioned if a fine was enough to deter him. Justice Chao Hick Tin, hearing the appeal, said Lee's comments were 'deplorable' and that he expected such statements from a youngster trying to 'act hero' but not someone who is a grandfather. However, bearing in mind his age and host of medical conditions, Justice Chao did not send him to jail. He told Lee that he hoped he had learnt his lesson. Lee declined to speak to reporters.
Court raises fine 4 times
<!-- by line --> By Selina Lum
<!-- end by line -->
<!-- end left side bar -->
The High Court on Wednesday handed down a $4,800 fine to the former chairman of the Laguna Park management committee, Mr Lee Kok Leong (left) for mischief, quadrupling the initial sum handed down by a lower court. -- ST PHOTO: SHAHRIYA YAHAYA
<!-- story content : start --> THE High Court on Wednesday handed down a $4,800 fine to the former chairman of the Laguna Park management committee for mischief, quadrupling the initial sum handed down by a lower court. This came after the prosecution appealed for a stiffer sentence for Mr Lee Kok Leong, 63, who had put glue on the padlocks of two neighbours, against the backdrop of disputes over a proposed en bloc sale. The prosecution argued that Mr Lee was not remorseful for his actions because after he was sentenced, when interviewed by reporters, he scoffed at the fine, saying he spent more on a night of karaoke. The prosecution on Wednesday pressed for a sentence of 'sufficient gravity' and questioned if a fine was enough to deter him. Justice Chao Hick Tin, hearing the appeal, said Lee's comments were 'deplorable' and that he expected such statements from a youngster trying to 'act hero' but not someone who is a grandfather. However, bearing in mind his age and host of medical conditions, Justice Chao did not send him to jail. He told Lee that he hoped he had learnt his lesson. Lee declined to speak to reporters.
