Overview of the Incident

A shocking incident in Singapore has concluded with a 33-year-old man, Jeremy Su Zhiwei, being sentenced to 12 weeks in jail for violently attacking his 84-year-old grandmother when she refused to give him money. Su pled guilty to charges of voluntarily causing hurt and breaching a personal protection order (PPO), which had been established to prevent him from using violence against her.

History of Abuse

The disturbing behavior of Su, who has a history of physical altercations with his grandmother, led to the intervention of authorities as early as 2022. Reports indicate that between 2021 and 2023, he was admitted multiple times to the Institute of Mental Health due to aggressive behavior toward her, which included previous incidents of pinching and choking.

Details of the Attack

The recent attack occurred on November 22, when Su confronted his grandmother at her home, demanding money without explaining its intended use. When she refused, a heated argument ensued, culminating in Su kicking her bed frame and choking her when she attempted to defend herself. The elderly woman suffered bruising to her neck and redness on her scalp due to the altercation.

Response and Arrest

After managing to break free, she promptly informed her son, who is also Su’s uncle, about the incident, prompting a police intervention that led to Su’s arrest.

Legal Proceedings

During the proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Cheah Wenjie described Su's actions as "appalling," emphasizing the repeated nature of his abusive behavior despite the protective order meant to safeguard his grandmother’s wellbeing. The prosecution sought a sentence of 12 to 14 weeks, highlighting the severity of the crime committed against an elderly person.

Su's Intentions and Sentencing

Before the sentencing, Su expressed his intentions to further his education and secure employment upon his release, aiming to earn a diploma to make his grandmother proud. District Judge Eugene Teo acknowledged his plans but urged him to avoid reoffending in the future.

Legal Context and Societal Implications

In Singapore, the penalties for voluntarily causing hurt can reach up to three years in prison, with additional fines of up to $5,000. This case underscores the ongoing issue of familial violence within the community, prompting discussions about the support systems in place for vulnerable individuals. As society becomes increasingly aware of such alarming behaviors, it raises critical questions about mental health support, intervention strategies, and the enforcement of protective orders for those at risk.