Jeremy Su Zhiwei, 33, was sentenced to 12 weeks in jail on January 16 after pleading guilty to assaulting his 84-year-old grandmother and violating a personal protection order (PPO). The PPO, implemented in 2022, prohibited him from using violence against her due to a history of physical altercations.
Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Cheah Wenjie revealed that Su’s past behavior required interventions from the police and social services. Between 2021 and 2023, he was admitted multiple times to the Institute of Mental Health for aggressive behavior towards his grandmother, including incidents of choking and pinching her.
The latest incident occurred on November 22, 2024, when Su went to his grandmother's home and demanded money. She refused, as he would not explain the purpose of his demand. An argument ensued, and she eventually went to bed.
Still dissatisfied, Su began kicking the bed frame, waking his grandmother. He then grabbed her by the neck, choking her. When she attempted to free herself by grabbing his hands, he retaliated by pulling her hair. Despite her cries for him to stop, Su continued the assault, leaving her with pain, bruising on her neck, and redness on her scalp.
After Su released her, his grandmother contacted her son, Su’s uncle, who immediately called the police. Su was arrested the same day.
In court, DPP Cheah condemned Su’s actions, labeling them “appalling” and a severe breach of the PPO his grandmother had obtained to protect herself. The prosecution sought a sentence of 12 to 14 weeks, citing Su’s repeated abusive behavior and the unprovoked nature of the attack.
Before sentencing, Su expressed remorse, stating his intention to reform by continuing his studies and finding a job after his release. “I want to get a diploma because I want to make my grandma proud,” he said.
District Judge Eugene Teo acknowledged Su’s plans and encouraged him to pursue them but warned him against reoffending. “You’ve set the expectation and the plan for yourself, and you should keep going in that direction,” said the judge.
Under Singapore law, voluntarily causing hurt carries a maximum penalty of three years’ jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. Su’s sentence underscores the seriousness of family violence, especially against vulnerable individuals like the elderly.
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