S'porean man, 46, gets 24 weeks' jail for throwing scissors at man's face in chapel & Yishun supermarket theft

A 46-year-old Singaporean man was sentenced to 12 weeks' jail after he threw a pair of scissors at another man's face, leading to injuries.

According to court documents, Tan Kay Leong was also sentenced to 12 weeks' jail for stealing S$78.40 worth of items from a Sheng Siong supermarket in Yishun in November 2023.

Two other charges pertaining to alleged criminal force and intentional harassment were taken into consideration during sentencing.

Stole goods from supermarket

On Nov. 29, 2023, Tan had stolen items at around 8:58pm from the Sheng Siong supermarket located at Block 845 Yishun Street 81 with an accomplice, Lee Kok Tiong.

Tan had initially made a legitimate purchase and got two plastic bags from the store.

Subsequently, the pair decided to steal items together from the supermarket.

They then took several products and placed them into the plastic bags, later leaving the store without making payment.

Some of these items include coffee, chocolates, and energy drinks.

The supermarket's retail manager discovered the missing items during a stock check on Nov. 30 and filed an online police report, leading to Tan's identification and admission to the theft.

The stolen items have not been recovered, and no restitution has been made to date.

Assaulted man in dispute over donated clothes

In a separate incident on Aug. 6, 2024, Tan had argued with his 58-year-old acquaintance over donated clothing at the Yio Chu Kang Chapel located at 242 Yio Chu Kang Road.

During the dispute, Tan took a pair of scissors from a wooden basket and used it as a weapon, throwing it at the man.

The scissors struck the victim's left cheek, causing a cut and bodily pain.

According to court documents, Tan had also grabbed the man's neck and placed him in a headlock.

He also reportedly hurled vulgarities at the man.

The fight was stopped by two witnesses who intervened, and a police report was made at around 10:36pm.

Tan's acquaintance did not seek medical treatment but had a plaster applied to his cheek to stop the bleeding.

Tan was arrested on Aug. 7, released on station bail the same day, and then produced in court on Jun. 18, 2025.

He has remained in custody since.

Had previous criminal records, specific deterrence needed

In court documents, the deputy public prosecutor said Tan's jail sentence "cannot be said to be unfair or excessive".

He added that Tan has a "long and varied criminal history", with property-related offences traced back to 1995 and more recent convictions for theft and violent crimes.

"His repeated offending despite previous custodial sentences shows a blatant disregard for the law," Law said.

He added that "specific deterrence" is "clearly needed" to prevent Tan from reoffending.

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