Man jailed 14 months for using criminal force to try to grab policeman's revolver

SINGAPORE - In fit of rage, a man smashed his son's fish tank and tried to forcefully snatch a policeman's loaded revolver when officers later arrived at the scene.

Mohd Omar Abdul Rahim, 53, was jailed for one year and two months on Thursday (July 19) after pleading guilty to using criminal force in an attempt to commit theft, using criminal force on a second police officer and breaching a personal protection order.

On Dec 12, 2016, Omar quarrelled with his son, Mr Shah Khussai'in Mohd Omar, now 20, in their Boon Lay Place flat and smashed the younger man's fish tank in anger.

Court documents did not state the reasons behind the dispute.

Mr Shah alerted the police and Sergeant Muhammad Salmaan Abutahir later arrived at the scene with his partner.

The court heard that Omar slipped and fell as he was retrieving his identity card.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Grace Chua said that when Sgt Salmaan was helping him stand up, Omar tried to take the policeman's revolver.

Omar tried to grab the weapon with both hands and pushed Sgt Salmaan's holster.

Sgt Salmaan immediately pushed Omar away, secured his weapon and arrested Omar.

In another incident, Omar created a ruckus in public at Block 341 Jurong East Avenue 1 at around 7pm on Oct 21 last year.

Three policemen, including Sergeant Mohd Irfan Mirza Mohd Safaie, were deployed to the scene.

Omar abused them with vulgar language and spat at Sgt Irfan's left cheek before they arrested him.

Separately, Mr Shah was at home on March 28 this year when he had another quarrel with his father.

The court heard that the disagreement was sparked off when Omar wanted to turn on the living room lights but his son wanted them off.

They were still arguing when officers arrived at the scene. Omar then punched Mr Shah in the face.

DPP Chua said that the younger man has a valid personal protection order against his father which was issued in January.

According to the order, Omar was not supposed to commit family violence against Mr Shah. He breached it when he punched his son.

On Thursday, Omar, who was unrepresented, told the court that he felt stressed when he committed the offences and was unable to calm down.

For using criminal force to try and commit theft, he could have been jailed for between one and seven years. He cannot be caned as he is over 50 years old.

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