Man, 65, Attacks Drink Stall Assistant After Being Woken Up From Drunken Sleep at S’pore Coffeeshop
A 65-year-old man in Singapore was sentenced to more than a year in jail after attacking a drink stall assistant at a coffeeshop after she tried to wake him from a drunken sleep.
The incident happened at around 3.30am on 9 November last year at a coffeeshop at Block 150, Towner Road. The victim was a 59-year-old woman who worked as an assistant at one of the drink stalls.
The accused, identified as Modenan, had reportedly been drinking in the Serangoon Road area before falling asleep on the coffeeshop floor.
Man allegedly became angry after being woken
The woman attempted to wake Modenan, but he allegedly became angry after regaining consciousness and started hurling vulgarities at her.
The pair subsequently got into an argument. During the confrontation, Modenan allegedly threw a tray of noodles towards the woman’s head.
The woman later saw that he appeared to be leaving and picked up a plastic chair to block his path. Modenan allegedly reacted by striking her arm with a tray before picking up nearby objects and throwing them towards her head.
The confrontation then escalated further, with Modenan allegedly grabbing the woman around the neck and putting her in a headlock.
Bystanders step in to stop attack
The woman eventually managed to break free, but Modenan allegedly continued the confrontation by forcing her head towards the ground.
After she fell, he allegedly climbed onto her back and continued attacking her.
Two passers-by noticed what was happening and intervened, pulling Modenan away from the woman. However, he allegedly continued the attack, picking up a plastic chair and striking the woman around her head and face.
Modenan eventually left the scene after the incident. Police later arrested him.
Victim suffered head and spinal injuries
The woman was taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital for medical treatment following the incident.
She was diagnosed with a scalp laceration and a spinal fracture as a result of the incident.
Modenan faced nine charges, including offences relating to theft, voluntarily causing grievous hurt, criminal breach of trust and offences under the Protection from Harassment Act.
He admitted to five of the charges and was sentenced to 12 months and six weeks’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to pay S$358 in compensation.
The case serves as a reminder that disputes at public places can escalate quickly, particularly when alcohol is involved. Members of the public who witness a serious confrontation should seek assistance from the authorities rather than putting themselves at unnecessary risk.