By Alvina Soh | Posted: 31
October 2011 1527 hrs
SINGAPORE: A 65-year-old former carpenter was
sentenced to four years jail on Monday for splashing thinner on a
new staff in his company and setting him on fire.
The vicious attack started when the new staff accidentally bumped
into Kuu Siau Lam on June 11 this year at their workplace at SH
Indeco at Senang Crescent.
This escalated into an argument that eventually ended with the new
colleague suffering burns to nearly one third of his body.
Midway through the argument, Kuu had left to fetch a mug of
thinner.
He returned to splash the contents on the victim, setting him on
fire with a lighter.
The victim, who started work three weeks before the incident, was
taken to Singapore General Hospital where he was warded for burns
for 46 days.
He suffered burns to 28 per cent of his body, including his face,
torso, and upper limbs, and had to undergo four skin grafting
operations.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Mr Davyd Chong condemned the act,
describing the manner of attack as "shocking and vicious".
He added that Kuu was unremorseful as he did not help the victim
and was even observed leaving the premises in an apathetic
manner.
In sentencing, District Judge Mr Low Wee Ping told Kuu that he was
fortunate the victim survived.
Mr Low added that it was "really amazing that in this day and age"
that such an attack took place.
Kuu, who has previous convictions for voluntarily causing hurt with
dangerous weapons, remained emotionless while sentencing.
- CNA
