St Joseph stabbing attacker allegedly accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent – Mothership.SG

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He will be held for psychiatric evaluation.

11 November 2024 12:48

A 37-year-old Singaporean who allegedly stabbed a priest at St Joseph’s Church in Upper Bukit Timah has been charged with voluntarily causing grievous bodily harm with a dangerous weapon.

Basnayake Keith Spencer allegedly attacked Catholic priest Father Christopher Lee with a folding knife, according to court documents. Straits Times reported.

The alleged attack left the priest with an 8cm-long cut on his tongue, a 3cm cut on his upper lip and a 4cm cut at the corner of his mouth.

It also endangered the priest’s life.

not represented in court

Spencer was unrepresented when he appeared in court via video link on November 11. CNA.

He was wearing a white polo shirt and was handcuffed.

The prosecution applied for Spencer to be detained at Changi Medical Complex for three weeks for psychiatric assessment.

He will return to court on December 2.

If convicted of the charge, he could face life in prison or up to 15 years in prison.

He may also be subject to caning and/or fines.

Background

Spencer was found to have a total of five guns in his possession.

At the police press conference in the early morning hours of November 10, it was revealed that Spencer had a utility knife, a hammer-like object and a hook, in addition to the rotary knife used in the attack. .

Police added that there is currently no evidence that the incident was a religiously motivated attack.

“While investigations are ongoing to determine the cause behind this incident, the public is asked to remain calm and avoid speculation,” SPF said in its previous statement on November 9.

In a Facebook post on the evening of November 9, Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam said the man had previously declared to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) that he was a Christian.

He added that Lee’s condition was stable following the incident.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore said in a press release on Nov 9 that the incident occurred during the 5.30pm mass and that the man was subdued by members of the congregation, including the Archdiocesan Emergency Response team.

In reply MotherhoodUpon questioning, police revealed that the man had previously been responsible for serious injury and drug abuse.

Based on preliminary investigations, police believe the man acted alone and do not suspect it was an act of terrorism at this time.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed his shock and sadness over the news of the stabbing on Facebook, adding that “violence has no place in Singapore”.

“In this case, it was fortunate that several members of the congregation helped disarm the attacker before he could do further harm. Many in the congregation are badly shaken by what happened and I hope they recover from this traumatic event,” he added.

A witness attending the service heard a scream and saw the man being carried out

To talk MotherhoodA parishioner surnamed Tan shared that he usually does not attend mass at St Joseph’s Church in Bukit Timah, but attended the service presided over by Lee on November 9.

Tan said the incident occurred during Holy Communion.

He was walking back to his seat when he heard a scream and something falling to the ground.

Although Tan did not witness the alleged stabbing, he said: Motherhood He said he saw Lee on the ground and was unable to continue the service.

He also saw church volunteers bring kitchen towels to Lee.

While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, it was seen that a serum was applied.

Tan also witnessed several men restraining the attacker and escorting him out of the church.

“Congregants were generally concerned about Lee and were pretty calm. I didn’t see anyone attempt to leave. I believe they felt safe in the church,” he added.

The priest’s condition is currently stable.

Top left photo is by Reuben Nathan/Mothership, right photo is by Laurence Goh/Google Maps