Understanding the Consequences: Singaporean Sentenced to Jail for Threatening Girlfriend with Chopper

In a recent court ruling on November 10th, Muhammad Anuar Aman, a 37-year-old Singaporean, was sentenced to seven weeks in jail for a disturbing incident that unfolded at his flat. The heated confrontation involved Anuar holding a chopper near his girlfriend’s neck as a form of reprimand for what he perceived as “rudeness.”

The Disturbing Incident

According to Today, On October 10th, within the confines of Anuar’s flat, a disagreement escalated into a threatening encounter. Anuar, his wife, and his 29-year-old girlfriend were present when an argument ensued. The catalyst? Anuar felt slighted by his girlfriend’s perceived rudeness as she ignored him during their conversation.

The Escalation

In the midst of the argument, emotions ran high, leading Anuar to resort to violence. He slapped his girlfriend, an act that became one of the charges considered during sentencing. Subsequently, he retreated to the kitchen only to return brandishing a 28cm-long chopper. Holding it menacingly near her neck, he explicitly threatened to “slice” and “chop” her, leaving the victim in a state of fear and helplessness.

Intervention by Anuar’s Wife

The confrontation took a potentially dangerous turn, but it was Anuar’s wife, a witness to the altercation, who intervened and pushed him away from the distressed girlfriend. This intervention marked a turning point, and Anuar eventually left the premises. However, court documents revealed that this was not an isolated incident; Anuar had previously threatened to drag the victim’s one-year-old daughter off the bed by her legs.

Legal Consequences

In the aftermath, the victim sought help from a social worker, narrating the traumatic experience. Prompt action was taken as the social worker reported the incident to the police emergency hotline. Anuar was swiftly arrested on the same day. Subsequently, he faced charges, with criminal intimidation being the primary offense. The prosecution argued for a jail term of seven to nine weeks, emphasizing the severity of the case due to the use of a weapon and Anuar’s guilty plea.

The Sentencing

Appearing in court via video-link, Anuar pleaded for leniency, expressing remorse for his actions. District Judge Kenneth Chin acknowledged Anuar’s early plea of guilt, applying the appropriate sentencing discount backdated to his arrest on October 12th. For criminal intimidation, Anuar could have faced up to two years’ jail or fines, emphasizing the gravity of such offenses in Singapore.