Para-athlete charged with getting woman into prostitution

Motivational speaker and Singapore para-athlete Adam Onearmrunner denied bail, remanded as he is believed to be involved in several other similar cases

Para-athlete Adam Kamis was charged with one count of procuring an 18-year-old woman for the purpose of prostitution within Singapore. PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN
Adam Kamis, better known as Adam Onearmrunner, at the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore Triathlon in 2012. PHOTO: ASHLEE MUNTING/ X-TRI

SINGAPORE (THE NEW PAPER) He lost his right arm and his other arm was left paralysed in a motorcycle accident 12 years ago.

Adam Kamis, 36, managed to bounce back from the tragedy - even gaining popularity as Adam Onearmrunner - giving motivational talks and representing Singapore in para-athlete events.

He was supposed to take part in December's Asean Para Games in Singapore.

But yesterday, Adam was charged with one count of procuring an 18-year-old woman for the purpose of prostitution within Singapore.

The offence is alleged to have taken place sometime between late October and early November last year.

There is a gag order prohibiting publishing any information that can identify the girl.

Under the law here, it is an offence to procure a female for prostitution. Those found guilty of the offence can be jailed up to five years and fined up to $10,000.

Others who have been convicted of procuring women for prostitution in the past include couple Peh Seng Choon, 48, and Seow Choon Choon, 40, who ran a vice ring.

Former bus captain Chen Ping Gen, 32, who sourced girls from China and ran "brothels" in two Woodlands flats, was also convicted.

Another conviction involved Chinese national Zhang Changyan, 24, who ran a brothel in Geylang.

In court, Adam was dressed in a black, long-sleeved shirt and held in remand.

While no plea was taken, he took the opportunity to address the court after the charge had been read to him.

"Because of my condition, it has been very difficult for me in the lock-up," said Adam, adding that he relies on his mother and wife to help him with basic needs such as feeding, using the toilet and cleaning up after.

"I'm requesting for bail, just so I can go out to relieve myself. I promise to come straight back to the lock-up after that."

REJECTED

District Judge Eddy Tham rejected his request. He said Adam's physical needs would have to depend on police officers.

"They will have to do as best as they can to attend to your basic needs," said the judge.

The prosecutor also said the message will be relayed to the investigating officer.

Adam has been remanded at the Central Police Division to assist in further investigation as he is believed to be involved in "several other similar cases", the police prosecutor said.

The prosecutor also applied for a gag order as "most of the victims are of a young age".

In a 2013 interview with The Straits Times, Adam told of how his doctor advised him to take up running after his 2003 accident to build up strength.

At the time, he was worried about appearing in public with his altered body and turned to meeting people online.

That was how he got to know his wife, who reportedly quit her job to accompany him to Delhi in 2010 at the Commonwealth Games when he represented Singapore.

After completing a half-Ironman race in 2012, Adam told The New Paper that he hoped to some day qualify for the full race - 3.86km swim, 180km bicycle ride and 42.2km marathon - widely considered the most difficult one-day sporting event in the world.

Adam, who had no lawyer, will next appear before the courts next Thursday.

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