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Updated: 07/18/2013 14:01 | By Channel NewsAsia
Man jailed for stealing abalone, TV sets
SINGAPORE: A casual labourer was on Thursday handed a one-week jail term for stealing a can of abalone and two LED television sets.
44-year-old Ng Hock Seng pleaded guilty to one count of theft of two LED TV sets worth S$700 at the Giant hypermart at Parkway Parade Shopping Centre in March. He was still in the hypermart when he was confronted half an hour later by a staff member.
Ng fled the scene, leaving the TV sets behind.
The father of one also admitted to stealing a can of abalone worth S$70 in late January this year from Cold Storage, also in Parkway Parade Shopping Centre.
The court heard during mitigation that Ng had stolen the can of abalone to feed his wife and son during the Lunar New Year.
Ng's lawyer, Choo Si Sen said his client is the sole breadwinner earning S$1,300 a month. He said Ng has to service a S$432 monthly housing loan. The court heard that Ng also had to pay for his wife and son's medical treatment.
Out of desperation, Mr Choo said Ng resorted to theft to let his family have a good meal. - CNA/ac
