Man hauled to court for grabbing cop’s shirt at live music show in Bugis
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SINGAPORE – When a police officer wanted to conduct checks on a man during a live music show in Bugis, he charged at the officer and grabbed his shirt.
The Singaporean ended up in a courtroom on June 4 where he was charged with one count of using criminal force on a public servant to deter him from doing his duty.
Tan Xin Fa, 30, was said to have committed the offence on April 7 at about 1.20am at the HaveFun Live Show venue at shopping mall Bugis+.
According to a police statement on June 3, officers from the Central Police Division were carrying out anti-crime rounds in the area.
The police officers spotted Tan and wanted to conduct checks on him. One of the officers identified himself with a warrant card and made his intention known.
Tan, without provocation, allegedly grabbed the officer’s shirt and necklace abruptly.
The police said: “As a result of (Tan’s) action, the police officer sustained some friction burns and red marks around his neck.”
Tan was arrested on the spot.
Court documents and the police statement did not give details on why Tan allegedly manhandled the police officer.
The police said they have zero tolerance towards such acts of violence against public servants and will not hesitate to take action against these lawbreakers.
Tan said in court on June 4 that he intends to plead guilty but will be seeking legal advice.
He was granted $5,000 bail and is scheduled to be back in court on June 24.
If convicted of the offence, he could be jailed for up to four years, fined, or both.
