NSman who stole rifle gets more than 9 years’ jail, 18 strokes

SINGAPORE: 20—year—old national serviceman Corporal Dave Teo Ming, who stole a rifle and ammunition, has been sentenced to nine years & two months in jail and 18 strokes of the cane.

The sentence, which came 10 months after his arrest in September last year, was for three charges — illegally possessing a stolen army rifle and live bullets, and for carrying a knife in a public place without lawful purpose.

Teo was arrested at Orchard Cineleisure, after he disappeared with the rifle and eight rounds of ammunition from Mandai Hill Camp while on guard duty.

His actions sparked off one of the biggest man—hunts in Singapore.

According to the prosecution, Teo was going to use the rifle to shoot his then girlfriend Crystal, who had broken off with him.

Teo had also admitted to carrying a 40—centimetre knife on April 14 last year near Crystal’s home.

Teo’s friend, Ong Boon Jun, who did not report the NSman for possessing the rifle and bullets, had earlier been sentenced to 6—and—a—half years’ jail and six strokes of the cane. His appeal against the sentence was dismissed by the High Court in May this year.

Ong, a 22—year—old pimp, was charged with being in Teo’s company when he had the illegal items. The two of them were together at the Champagne Hotel in Geylang. — CNA/ir