SINGAPORE: The suspect in the stabbing of a priest at St Joseph’s Church was on Monday ( Dec 9 ) denied bail out of concerns for public safety.
Basnayake Keith Spencer, a 37-year-old Singaporean, is considered “highly risky” and has a higher risk of reoffending, a policeman attorney told the jury.
At his earlier notice, Basnayake was remanded more to help with investigations. He was returned to the murder field at the church next Friday.
He is accused of slitting Father Christopher Lee Kwong Heng in the face at around 6.30pm on November 9 at the temple in Upper Bukit Timah with a portable weapon.
On Monday, the officers prosecutor said Basnayake no longer needed to get remanded for investigations. But he applied for no loan to get offered, citing public health issues.
The attorney referred to a statement on Basnayake’s medical examination at the , Institute of Mental Health, facts of which were not read out in court.
Additionally, the attorney claimed that the case’s researchers needed more time to work on it because they were, for instance, waiting for medical information. He requested that four weeks later the second reading been held.
Senior District Judge Ong Hian Sun asked Basnayake, who does not have a solicitor, whether he understood the lawyer’s program.
Basnayake, who appeared in court via video link from his position of remand, replied in the affirmative, and did not make more images.
Judge Ong then granted the request and set the court’s scheduled future hearing for January 6, 2025.
On November 11, Basnayake was charged with one count of deliberately causing Father Lee severe harm by a dangerous weapons.
According to the demand sheets, Father Lee had an 8 cm-long laceration on his mouth, a 3 cm cut on his upper lip, and a 4 cm cut in his mouth’s corner.
The parish preacher underwent surgery to heal his wounds, and he was discharged on November 15.
If he is found guilty, Basnayake may be sentenced to life prison or up to 15 years ‘ prison, a great and punishment.