In a shocking incident, Lim Si Hui, 33, found herself convicted after pleading guilty to voluntarily causing grievous hurt to her friend, Mr Martin Boey, 36.
The altercation escalated to a dangerous level when, following an argument at FML Bar in Prinsep Street on April 19, 2022, Lim poured boiling soup from a hotpot on Mr Boey, resulting in severe burns, according to a report by The Straits Times and TODAY.
The court has set a sentencing date of January 25, taking into consideration another charge of slapping the victim.
The Turbulent Confrontation
The dispute began at FML Bar, leading to damage to Lim’s mobile phone and her subsequent angry reaction, slapping Mr Boey. Later, at a nearby restaurant where Mr Boey was having supper with friends, Lim, after informing her husband about the argument, decided to confront the victim. Ignoring her husband’s attempts to stop her, she proceeded to the restaurant.
Upon reaching Mr Boey’s table, Lim flipped a hotpot with boiling soup onto him while he was seated. The scalding liquid caused excruciating pain, and Mr Boey slipped on the wet floor as he attempted to remove his shirt.
His girlfriend and another friend then removed his shirt and pulled his pants and underwear down to his lower thighs in an attempt to help him as he lost consciousness, while exposed in full view of the other patrons.
He subsequently regained his consciousness and sprayed water on his burns before being sent to Singapore General Hospital.
Severe Injuries and Medical Consequences
Deputy Public Prosecutor Santhra Aiyyasamy revealed that Mr Boey experienced significant burns covering 31 percent of his total body surface area. The severity of his injuries necessitated skin grafting procedures, and he was granted 15 days’ hospitalization leave. The victim’s girlfriend and a friend assisted in removing his shirt and attending to his injuries in full view of other patrons at the restaurant.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing Pleas
The prosecution, seeking a jail term of 5½ to six years, emphasized the deliberate nature of Lim’s actions. DPP Santhra noted that Lim targeted Mr Boey’s lower torso, including his genital area, causing extensive injuries and permanent scars. The victim’s impact statement highlighted the physical and psychological trauma he endured, expressing fears about his changed appearance.
In contrast, the defense, led by lawyer Amolat Singh, argued for a jail term of 2½ to three years. Singh contended that there was no premeditation involved in Lim’s attack, emphasizing that she did not arm herself with the pot of hot soup before approaching the victim. He portrayed Lim as someone who lost her cool when confronting the victim about her damaged phone.