Retiree who punched SCDF paramedic gets 5-week jail sentence

Singapore— A 64-year-old retiree who had too much to drink ended up with a five-week jail sentence on Monday, June 3, for punching a Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) paramedic last October.

In an incident that occurred towards midnight on October 29, 2018, at a nightspot in Clarke Quay, Staff Sergeant Muhammad Zuhaili Zulkafli was punched by Heng Kow Miang three times in the left temple, who managed to draw blood from the blows.

Mr Heng pled guilty to one count of using criminal force on a public servant, after which he was given the sentence of five weeks jail. For the same offense, the retiree could have been made to pay a fine and given a jail sentence of up to four years.

The retiree had been drinking beer at The Pump Room microbrewery from 9pm to 11.30 pm, and emerged very drunk from the establishment. He then proceeded to lie down outside.

A concerned citizen called an ambulance after seeing Mr Heng lying outside at 11.40pm.
By the time Staff Sgt Zuhaili and his colleagues got to Clark Quay, Mr Heng was sitting on the ground at the Clarke Quay Fountain Square.

According to Deputy Public Prosecutor Houston Johannus, “Staff Sgt Zuhaili approached the accused and tried to check on his condition. However, the accused refused to be checked. The accused suddenly stood up and walked with an unsteady gait.

Staff Sgt Zuhaili and his colleagues grabbed hold of the accused to steady him, and tried to assist the accused onto a stretcher.”

This is when the retiree started behaving belligerently and proceeded to strike Staff Sgt Zuhaili in the temple several times.

Police, who were called in after Mr Heng turned violent, arrested the inebriated man. Due to his injuries, Staff Sgt Zuhaili was rushed to the hospital, after which he received four days of medical leave. -/TISG