‘I just snapped’: Trial of Singaporean man accused of murdering wife begins in UK

NEWCASTLE, UK: A court in the UK has heard how a Singaporean guy, on trial meant for murdering his wife, told police he had “snapped”.

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

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

Several hours afterwards, their eldest boy was woken with a call from their father saying: “I hurt your mother. She’s gone. ”

The court heard that when the child asked what he or she meant, Fong responded: “She’s dead. ”

Based on the prosecution, police attained the hotel to get Pek on the bed, showing no indications of life.   A post-mortem concluded the girl injuries were in line with her being suffocated by a pillow.

Fong was arrested.   While at a police place in Newcastle, this individual told officers: “I just snapped. I just wanted her to keep calm. ”

THE TRIAL

On Monday, Fong appeared in the dock behind a screen wearing a gray sweater. He talked to confirm his name plus date of delivery.

The jury, made up of 12 people, has been sworn in plus told they must visit a verdict based on the evidence they are presented with in court.   The case is expected to last over a week.

Symbolizing the prosecution, Peter Makepeace QC stated the couple had come to the UK following a trip to Dubai plus Europe.

While on the Isle of Skye, a little island off the coastline of Scotland, Fong experienced a bad fall. He had tripped plus fallen down the steep edge whilst out for a stroll on Nov 27.

This individual managed to walk returning to the couple’s hotel, where he was taken care of by staff.   The court noticed an ambulance was called, and Fong was given a mix of painkillers by paramedics before being taken to medical center to be examined.

He was kept in medical center overnight and released the following morning, prior to the couple continued their journey around Scotland in a rental car.

At their own next destination, Inverness, Fong found he was still in pain from the drop and went to obtain checked over again in a second hospital plus was discharged.

The few continued to Edinburgh to meet their eldest son, before traveling together to Newcastle by train.

The prosecution said the family invested time together, going to a football match and sightseeing. During that time, Fong had several falls, and he was checked in hospital again.

After getting discharged the couple returned to their hotel. At 12. 17am on Dec 6, they were seen on CCTV entering their own room. That was the final time Pek was seen alive.

The case continues.