Reformative training for teen who did backflip in rhino pen at zoo

A youth caught on video doing a backflip inside a white rhinoceros enclosure at the Singapore Zoo last year was yesterday sentenced to undergo reformative training for at least a year.

This means he will be detained in a centre and made to follow a strict regimen that includes foot drills and counselling.

Ralph Wee Yi Kai, 19, who appeared in court via video link, pleaded guilty last month to eight charges over offences including mischief, criminal trespass and drug consumption.

The Singaporean started his crime spree in October last year after going to a friend's house in Sixth Crescent near Bukit Timah Road to talk about his problems.

After leaving his friend's home on Oct 9 last year, Wee went to a nearby bus stop at around 2.40am and kicked an information panel, causing $900 in damage.

He was walking back to his friend's home when he kicked the side mirrors of a parked Mercedes-Benz car, causing nearly $2,800 in damage.

On Dec 17 last year, he went to the Singapore Zoo, entered the rhinoceros pen and performed the backflip.

Wee was at a friend's home in Ocean Drive in Sentosa Cove a week later, on Dec 24, when he placed a frog on a foosball table.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Melissa Lee said in an earlier court proceeding that he directed a ball "at high speed and force" towards the frog, and it died soon after.

Wee appeared in court for the first time in July this year and was charged with two counts of mischief, as well as one count each of vandalism and criminal trespass.

He was out on bail of $15,000 when he consumed cannabis the following month. He was later placed in remand.

On Oct 13, he appeared in court via video link and was charged with one count of drug consumption. He was later released on bail of $20,000.

Instead of keeping out of trouble, he failed to turn up for his urine test on four occasions.

After an argument with his father, Wee used a pair of pliers to cut off his electronic tag - a device used to monitor his movements and ensure he stayed indoors - on Oct 26 and cycled to a friend's home.

Wee was placed back in remand after he failed to turn up in court on Nov 5.