SINGAPORE - A 25-year-old man was charged in court on Monday (Sept 26) with the murder of his father in their family flat.

Sabri Aslam, appeared in court on Monday morning clad in a yellow T-shirt and a pair of blue bermudas. He appeared nervous and could barely stand in the dock after his name was called and had to be supported by two policemen as the charge was read to him.

He allegedly caused the death of Mr Aslam Alodin, 60, at the Bishan Housing Board flat between 8pm and 8.22pm last Saturday (Sept 24). Mr Aslam was reportedly beaten to death.

The prosecution applied for Sabri to be remanded at the Complex Medical Centre (CMC) in Changi for psychiatric assessment, saying that he faces a capital charge.

If convicted of murder, Sabri faces the death penalty or life imprisonment. If he gets a life sentence, he is also liable to caning.

Police said they were alerted to the incident at about 8.20pm on Saturday. The victim was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene at about 9pm. The Straits Times understands that there were no visible injuries on the victim.

A neighbour who lives across from the unit said he often heard a lot of commotion coming from the flat where the family of four lived.

The 68-year-old, who declined to give his name, said he does not know the family well but would greet the couple whenever they met and exchange pleasantries with them on festive occasions. He added that he had occasionally seen police officers visiting the flat.

It is believed that the victim lived with his wife, Sabri and another son, who is 31.

The incident happened at the Golden Jasmine studio apartments - a housing project designed for the elderly and consisting of 176 units.

Sabri will appear in court on Oct 17.