Man accused of stabbing priest of St Joseph’s Church in the mouth, causing an 8cm cut on his tongue

SINGAPORE – Man allegedly arrested stabbing a priest in the mouth He was charged with intentionally causing grievous bodily harm with a dangerous weapon.

Basnayake Keith Spencer, 37, appeared at the County Courts via video link at 10.10am on November 11.

The short-haired, handcuffed Singaporean man wearing a white polo shirt was not represented.

He was expressionless during court proceedings as the prosecution applied for him to be held at Changi Prison Complex Medical Center for three weeks for medical examination.

The incident occurred at around 6.30pm on November 9 at St Joseph’s Church in Bukit Timah. Basnayake is said to have stabbed 57-year-old Pastor Christopher Lee while he was celebrating evening mass.

The alleged attacker is said to have approached Father Lee while the priest was distributing communion.

The victim had been stabbed in the mouth, according to court documents. He suffered an 8cm laceration to his tongue, a 3cm cut to his upper left lip, and a 4cm cut to the corner of his mouth.

Basnayake allegedly used a folding knife in the attack, which endangered Father Lee’s life.

He was disarmed by members of the congregation, detained by several people, and then arrested by police officers.

A video circulating online following the attack showed a thin man in a bloody white T-shirt being led away from the church with his hands held behind his back.

Police said the man had five weapons in his possession, including the folding knife used in the attack.

His case will be heard in court again on December 2.

If convicted, he faces life imprisonment or up to 15 years in prison. He may also face caning and/or fines.

Police said Basnayake, who is Sinhalese, had previously declared to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority that he was a Christian. It is said that he had visited the church before.