S’porean man, 44, started fire in Joo Seng home as he believed neighbour attacking him with laser beams & strong currents

A 44-year-old Singaporean man pleaded guilty to rashly causing a flat fire after suffering from a delusional disorder, thinking his upstairs neighbour was attacking him.

Liu Zheyuan pleaded guilty on Jun. 22, CNA reported.

In charge sheets seen by Mothership, Liu burned a pot of charcoal in the living room of his home along Joo Seng Road in the Upper Aljunied area on May 4 at about 9:40pm, causing a flat fire.

Residents were evacuated, and at least two firefighters were conveyed to the hospital due to smoke inhalation.

Delusions

According to CNA, the court heard Liu suffered from a delusional disorder.

He believed that his upstairs neighbour had been intentionally shooting laser beams and sending strong currents through his ceiling to disturb him for the past two years.

On the night of the fire, Liu believed that his neighbours were attacking him again.

This reportedly caused pain in his head and ears, leading him to burn charcoal in an attempt to ward off the attack.

Fire

Liu proceeded to place two pieces of charcoal and fire starters in a stainless steel pot.

He then lit the charcoal and placed the pot on a metal rack near the open window in the living room.

Liu continued to add more charcoal, and the fire grew larger.

A plastic curtain then caught fire, before spreading to the whole flat.

Liu attempted to extinguish the fire in panic, but failed to do so.

He then alerted the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) for help and informed his neighbours to evacuate the premises.

As a result of the fire, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) said a common area was damaged and estimated repairs would cost about S$80,000 to S$100,000.

Remanded

Liu was subsequently remanded at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).

Based on his reports of somatic and persecutory ideas towards his neighbour over the previous two years, Liu was assessed to be suffering from a delusional disorder at the time of the incident.

The ideas of his neighbour shooting laser beams and sending currents through his ceiling were described as "fixed, false beliefs".

His parents, who lived with him, also confirmed it was not true.

Liu’s condition was assessed to be moderate in severity, given his fixation and the distress experienced from the perceived disturbances.

While a minor contributory link was found between his psychiatric condition and the offence, Liu was not of unsound mind at the time.

A report assessing Liu's suitability for a mandatory treatment order was called.

Liu’s sentencing was adjourned to Jul. 6.