Charge reduced in Sheng Siong kidnap case

SINGAPORE - One of the two men allegedly involved in kidnapping the mother of Sheng Siong supermarket boss Lim Hock Chee is now facing a reduced charge.

Heng Chen Boon, 51, who was originally charged under the Kidnapping Act, was on Thursday accused of abetting Lee Sze Yong in abducting Madam Ng Lye Poh.

He allegedly drove a car - in which the 79-year-old was being secretly and wrongfully confined by Lee - to the vicinity of Sembawang Park. There, Heng kept watch over her between 8.30pm and 11.30pm on Jan 8 last year.

If convicted, the credit card promoter could be jailed for up to 10 years and fined.

Lee, 42, still faces the kidnapping charge.

If convicted, he faces life imprisonment and caning or death. The next pre-trial conference is scheduled for April 28 in the High Court.

Heng, who is represented by Mr Philip Fong, is likely to plead guilty. A date for his case to be mentioned will be fixed next Wednesday in the State Courts.

Lee allegedly abducted Madam Ng along Hougang Avenue 2 that day, with the intent to hold her for ransom.

She was freed unhurt after her son dropped off a $2 million ransom at the park.

The duo were nabbed at about 1am the next day. The full ransom sum has been recovered.

Click here for a look back at the case.

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