72-Year-Old Jailed After Fatal Altercation with Neighbour

A 72-year-old man, Lim Tee Tee, has been sentenced to a year in prison for slashing his neighbour, Chua Kin Tong, during a confrontation that took place on December 22, 2024. Chua, who was 69 at the time, suffered multiple injuries from the attack but ultimately died from ischaemic heart disease about two hours later.

The court heard that Lim pleaded guilty to charges of voluntarily causing hurt to Chua. According to Deputy Public Prosecutor Joseph Gwee, Chua sustained injuries to his head, face, neck, arms, and legs from a knife with a blade measuring 37 centimeters. An autopsy confirmed that these injuries were not fatal and that Chua’s actual cause of death was due to heart disease.

Details of the Incident

The incident unfolded shortly before noon when Lim was returning home after purchasing food. At approximately 11:20 AM, Lim exited the lift on the eighth floor of Block 805, King George’s Avenue, and collided with Chua, who was attempting to enter the lift simultaneously. Both men expressed their displeasure but continued their respective ways, with Lim returning to his apartment.

Shortly thereafter, Chua enlisted the help of a 66-year-old neighbour to confront Lim regarding the earlier clash. The situation escalated when Chua attacked Lim with a wooden stick. In response, Lim retrieved a knife from his kitchen, leading to a violent confrontation in the corridor. Lim used the knife to slash Chua multiple times, resulting in significant injuries.

During the altercation, the second neighbour attempted to intervene but sustained injuries to his arm in the process. After the scuffle, Chua left the scene and headed toward the lift lobby. Around 11:30 AM, police officers on patrol discovered Chua emerging from the lift with severe head injuries. He informed the officers that Lim had attacked him with a knife before collapsing. Emergency services transported Chua to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 13:20.

Meanwhile, police investigators found a trail of blood leading back to Lim’s flat. Both Lim and the second neighbour were detained and received medical care. Lim sustained cuts, abrasions, and a hand fracture during the incident.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

A psychiatric assessment indicated that Lim suffered from persistent depressive disorder, which had a minor connection to his actions. Despite this, Mr. Gwee emphasized that Lim was aware of the wrongfulness of his actions and had deliberately chosen the knife as a weapon for self-defence.

In court, the prosecution recommended a sentence of 14 to 17 months, highlighting that if Chua had survived, he would likely have required surgery for his injuries. The prosecutor also noted that while Lim did not initiate the fight, his reaction was excessively disproportionate.

The maximum penalty for voluntarily causing hurt in Singapore is seven years’ imprisonment, a fine, caning, or a combination of these penalties. Lim’s case serves as a reminder of the severe consequences stemming from violent confrontations.