By Khushwant Singh
A POLYTECHNIC student masterminded the robbery of a friend - and
of himself - but it was uncovered by police within three hours.
Ruben Chong Yu Shen, 19, and his two accomplices were arrested and
on Wednesday, he was placed on probation for 21/2 years. His
accomplice, Gerard Lee Chen Xiang, 18, got two years' probation.
Both were also ordered to perform 200 hours of community service
for robbing 18-year-old Lenny Lee Yu Feng.
A third conspirator, Jay Ng Jia Jun, 19, who is presently doing
his national service in the Singapore Civil Defence Force, will be
dealt with on Thursday. Like the victim, Chong and Lee are students
at Temasek Polytechnic.
The court heard that Chong was giving a lift to Mr Lee. On the
way along Punggol Drive, he stopped and picked up two youths who
had asked for directions and then for a lift.
Although Chong pretended not to know his two new passengers, it
was all part of his devious plan. From the rear passenger seat, the
two youths shouted: 'Robbery', and grabbed Mr Lee and Chong by the
neck and demanded money. The two friends seated in front handed
over their wallets but Mr Lee only had $60.
The robbers then 'ordered' Chong to drive to a nearby Automated
Teller Machine where he was told to withdraw money or his friend
would be stabbed. Mr Lee was held hostage in the car and made to
reveal his personal identification number to Chong, who withdrew
$2,000. The money was handed over to the robbers, who then alighted
from the car and fled.
Despite Chong's protests, Mr Lee went to the police and
investigations revealed that it was a set-up.
