Shooting suspect remanded for another three weeks for psychiatric assessment

Muhammad Iskandar Sa'at, who was involved in the shooting incident at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in June, has been remanded for another three weeks to complete a psychiatric evaluation. PHOTO: THE NEW PAPER

SINGAPORE - The man accused of firing three rounds from a police revolver at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital last month will be remanded for another three weeks at a medical centre in Changi Prison for a psychiatric evaluation to be completed.

Muhammad Iskandar Sa'at, 23, appeared in court on Monday via video link from Changi Prison.

He is accused of discharging three rounds from a .38-calibre Taurus revolver with intent to injure Staff Sergeant Mohammad Sadli Razali, 31, between 7.03pm and 7.06pm on June 20.

He was also charged with hitting Staff Sgt Sadli multiple times with a T-baton and a metal pole, used for securing an intravenous drip, some time between 6.53pm and 7pm on the same day, to deter the policeman from doing his duty.

At the time of the offence, Muhammad Iskandar was in police custody for an unrelated charge of motor vehicle theft. While in custody, he complained of chest pains and was escorted to the hospital in Yishun. A struggle ensued after he tried to escape while inside a private room in the hospital.

He faces another charge of trying to escape from legal custody after he was arrested for stealing a lorry in Sembawang Drive the day before.

Muhammad Iskandar's family members have instructed lawyer Shashi Nathan to act for him.

In court on Monday, Mr Nathan did not object to the prosecution's application for more time for assessment by an Institute of Medical Health psychiatrist.

The case will be mentioned in court again o n Aug 6.

A pre-trial conference has also been scheduled for Sept 8 in the High Court.

If convicted of the charge he faces under the Arms Offences Act, Muhammad Iskandar faces the death penalty.

The maximum punishment for hurting a public servant is seven years' jail, a fine and caning. If convicted of trying to escape from legal custody, he can be jailed for up to one year and fined. The maximum punishment for vehicle theft is seven years' jail and a fine plus disqualification from driving.

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