‘I just snapped’: Trial begins in UK for Singaporean man charged with murdering wife

NEWCASTLE, UK: A courtroom in the UK has noticed how a Singaporean guy, on trial for murdering his wife, told police he previously “snapped”.

Fong Soong Hert, 51, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday (Aug 1), after pleading not guilty earlier this year.   His wife Pek Ying Ling had been pronounced dead on the County Aparthotel within Newcastle at seven. 32am on December 6, 2021.

The particular court heard that the couple, while on holiday in the UK, were captured  on CCTV coming back at their hotel in the early hours of  Dec 6.  

Several hours later, their own eldest son has been woken by a call from his dad saying: “I hurt your mum. She’s gone. ”

The court heard that when the son requested what he supposed, Fong replied: “She’s dead. ”

According to the criminal prosecution, police arrived at the hotel to find Pek on the bed, showing no signs of lifestyle.   A post-mortem concluded her injuries were consistent with her being smothered by a pillow.

Fong was caught.   While at a police station in Newcastle, he informed officers: “I simply snapped. I just wanted the girl to keep quiet. ”

THE TRIAL

On Monday, Fong appeared in the boat dock behind a display screen wearing a grey jacket. He spoke to confirm his name and day of birth.

The particular jury, made up of twelve people, was sworn in and informed they must come to a verdict according to the proof they are presented with within court.   The situation is expected to final over a week.

Representing the particular prosecution, Peter Makepeace QC said the couple had come to the UK following a visit to Dubai and European countries.

While on the Isle associated with Skye, a small tropical isle off the coast associated with Scotland, Fong experienced a bad fall. He previously tripped and fallen down a high edge while out for a walk on Nov 27.

He was able to walk back to the particular couple’s hotel, in which he was attended to simply by staff.   The particular court heard an ambulance was known as, and Fong was given a mix of painkillers by paramedics before being taken to hospital to become examined.

He was held in hospital over night and discharged the following morning, before the couple continued their trip around Scotland inside a rental car.

At their following destination, Inverness, Fong found he was still in pain from the fall plus went to get checked over again at a second hospital and has been discharged.

The couple carried on to Edinburgh to meet their eldest son, before travelling jointly to Newcastle simply by train.
 
The criminal prosecution said the family invested time together, going to a football match up and sightseeing. During that time, Fong acquired several falls, and was checked on hospital again.

After being discharged the couple returned to their resort. At 12. 17am on Dec 6, they were seen on CCTV entering their particular room. That was the final time Pek has been seen alive.

The case proceeds.