Incident Overview:
On June 22, 2023, a 47-year-old managing director, assaulted a 38-year-old man at a Clementi restaurant. The altercation began when the man asked the Accused and his associates for a cigarette and attempted to join their conversation. After being told to leave multiple times, the man returned and slapped the Accused lightly. The Accused retaliated by repeatedly punching and kicking the man until his face was bloody. The incident was captured on CCTV, and the Accused was subsequently fined S$4,000 for voluntarily causing hurt.
Legal Proceedings:
- Court Hearing: The Accused pleaded guilty to the charge of voluntarily causing hurt.
- Prosecution’s Argument: Although the victim provoked the Accused, the prosecution argued that the Accused's response was grossly disproportionate.
- Mitigation: The Accused’s defense highlighted his remorse and shame over the incident. The court imposed a fine of S$4,000.
Principles of Self-Defense in Singapore Law:
In Singapore, self-defense is governed by several provisions under the Penal Code, primarily aimed at ensuring that any force used in self-defense is reasonable and proportionate to the threat faced. Here are the key principles and legal provisions related to self-defence in Singapore:
Under Section 96 of the Penal Code, an individual is allowed to use reasonable force to protect themselves or others from unlawful force. The assessment of "reasonable force" depends on the circumstances and the perceived threat at the moment.
