50-year-old Patrick Francis was jailed 13 days earlier today (10 August) after pleading guilty to a charge of mischief, according to The Straits Times.
In the quiet neighborhood of Lorong 5 Toa Payoh, an ordinary Housing Board flat became the scene of a tumultuous incident that unfolded shortly past midnight on May 8, 2022.
The tranquility of the night was shattered when a man, identified as Patrick Francis, took matters into his own hands, creating a ruckus that culminated in an act of arson at the doorstep of the unit.
A Fiery Altercation
The series of events began with a confrontation outside a Housing Board flat occupied by Mr. Dharam R.D. and his girlfriend, Ms. Tang Yee Peng.
The incident took an unexpected turn when Patrick Francis, 50, resorted to drastic measures in response to the occupants’ refusal to open the door.
A Dangerous Gamble
In a harrowing turn of events, Patrick ignited a fire at the doorstep of the unit when his initial attempts to gain entry went unanswered.
The flames flickered dangerously close to engulfing the surroundings, but swift action by Mr. Dharam R.D. averted a potential disaster. With the aid of a fire extinguisher, the flames were subdued before they could escalate further.
The chain of events was set in motion when Ms. Tang Yee Peng requested a small space in another flat owned by Patrick’s mother to accommodate a prayer altar.
While the reasons behind the request remain undisclosed, Patrick’s family acquiesced to the arrangement. The understanding persisted until the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted daily life.
Ms. Tang’s return to Singapore after the pandemic lockdown concluded marked the resurgence of tensions. Upon her return, she discovered that the lock on the prayer altar had been changed, prompting her to confront Patrick’s mother.
This disagreement served as the catalyst for the late-night altercation that eventually led to the act of arson.
The aftermath of Patrick’s actions left a trail of damage, both physical and psychological, in its wake. While the fire’s immediate impact was controlled, the repercussions were significant.
The lower section of the main door and surrounding areas bore the brunt of the damage. As a result, Mr. Dharam R.D. had to repaint the unit’s metal gate, and the Housing Board replaced the main wooden door.