SINGAPORE - A delivery driver with a violent streak and an alcohol problem was sentenced to eight months and one week in jail on Monday (July 2) on three separate charges of causing hurt, causing grievous hurt and affray.
Sam Dinesh Junior Vasan, 29, was reprimanded by District Judge John Ng for his lack of remorse and long list of previous run-ins with the law. He had attacked a 22-year-old man with a group of friends, fought with an acquaintance and punched a passer-by who was helping to mediate a conflict he had started.
On Aug 6 last year, Dinesh and three others - Ramesh Dino Vasan, 27, Simmon Thamilselvan, 29, and Andrew Raj Thamilselvan, 25 - met the victim, Mr S.R. Surriya, 22, and his older sister, in Woodlands. Dinesh stopped to talk to the victim's sister, who was an acquaintance, when Mr Surriya and Simmon got into a row over an alleged staring incident.
The argument escalated and Dinesh and his friends began to attack Mr Surriya, punching him many times. The victim managed to flee with his sister. He was later found to have abrasions on his face and ankle and tenderness in his ribs.
Dinesh was also involved in two other incidents. On Aug 27 last year, he fought with a friend in public in Woodlands Crescent. He had tried to stop his friend from charging at another man, when his friend turned to attack him. The ensuing scuffle gave Dinesh's friend a bruised cheek.
On Feb 5 last year, Mr Luke Tan, 28, noticed Dinesh having a dispute with his friend. Mr Tan stepped in to stop the conflict but Dinesh attacked him instead, fracturing his nasal bone.
During mitigation, Dinesh, who has previous cases of disorderly behaviour, causing hurt, driving offences and more, addressed the court directly, saying all his offences were committed under the influence of alcohol. He told the court that he was being counselled for his drinking habit.
More than once, Dinesh tried to interrupt Judge Ng while he was speaking.
Judge Ng chastised Dinesh for his arrogance and lack of remorse and ordered him to look at his family, who were in court, for a full minute.
He said: "This is a very simple exercise to let you know that this is not about you. Your family is the truly innocent party here. What have they done to deserve worrying about you and being heartbroken over you?"
He added: "You are a tall, handsome young man. You are fit as a fiddle. But mentally you are weak, and alcohol will overtake you."
He urged Dinesh to face the source of his problems head-on and be remorseful for his actions.
For voluntarily causing grievous hurt, Dinesh could have been jailed for up to 10 years and be fined or caned.
