Introduction

SINGAPORE - A notorious repeat offender is back in the spotlight after his latest criminal act led to another jail sentence.

Background of Tan Hong Sheng

Tan Hong Sheng, 28, previously involved in a high-profile murder case in Orchard Towers in 2019, has now been convicted of assaulting a man while still serving under a remission order.

The Orchard Towers Murder

Tan's infamous case began with the brutal murder of Mr. Satheesh Noel Gobidass, 31, at Orchard Towers, a well-known nightlife spot.

Previous Sentencing

After pleading guilty to a lesser charge linked to the incident, he was sentenced in March 2021 to four years and nine months in prison, along with 12 strokes of the cane.

Release and Terms of Remission

After serving his time, Tan was released in 2022, but his freedom came with the stipulation of remaining out of trouble until June 2024.

Latest Assault Incident

In November 2023, Tan assaulted a 35-year-old man while at a KTV outlet in Jurong.

Details of the Incident

According to court statements, the confrontation began when Tan, using a urinal, became irate over the victim's gaze - which was directed toward Tan's lit cigarette. An altercation quickly escalated: Tan slapped the victim, resulting in an exchange of punches that left both men injured.

Escalation of Violence

The situation intensified when Tan exited to retrieve a beer bottle, returning to shatter it in the restroom to further escalate the violence.

Arrest and Medical Leave

The police were called to the scene, and Tan was arrested shortly after on November 30. The victim, who sustained multiple injuries including facial fractures that led to hospital admission until the end of November, was issued 29 days of medical leave to recover.

Court Proceedings

During court proceedings on April 1, 2024, Tan pleaded guilty to the assault charge and received a five-month sentence.

Violation of Remission Order

Additionally, because he violated the terms of his remission order, he earned an extra 64 days behind bars.

Defense and Compensation

Despite his criminal history, Tan's defense attorney stated that his client feels remorse and has even compensated the victim with $3,100.

Concluding Remarks

Tan's release, however, will be short-lived as he begins his new sentence on April 15. Meanwhile, due to the murder of Mr. Gobidass, Tan Sen Yang, another individual implicated in the same 2019 case, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2024, showcasing the severe consequences of violent crime in Singapore.

As the local community grapples with these incidents, stories like Tan's highlight a troubling cycle of violence that continues to challenge the city's efforts to maintain public safety.