Ex-inmate in S'pore prison documentary sentenced to jail after reoffending

The former inmate who starred in CNA's prison documentary, "Inside Maximum Security", has been sentenced to three years and one month's jail for reoffending.

Graceson Ang, 41, had failed to present his Singapore passport to an immigration officer when departing Singapore to Malaysia via Woodlands Checkpoint in March 2023.

He also made a false statement electronically when applying for a Singapore passport online.

Ang also imported mini LED flashlight stun guns in a parcel on Mar. 7, 2023.

At the time of the importation, Ang was under a remission order for the period from Nov. 19, 2022 to Jan. 19, 2025.

According to CNA, Ang pleaded guilty to six of the charges he faced, while nine charges were taken into consideration.

On top of the three years and one month's jail, Ang was also handed an additional 510 days in prison as he reoffended while he was on remission, CNA reported.

Ang was previously jailed for carrying weapons, drug consumption and criminal intimidation.

New offences

According to court documents, Ang was placed under compulsory supervision on Nov. 15, 2022 for a period of 60 months, from Nov. 19, 2022, to Nov. 18, 2027.

He was not allowed to leave Singapore during this period.

However, Ang left Singapore for Malaysia on Nov. 23, 2022, without approval.

He returned a day later.

In February 2023, Ang bought two stun guns via an overseas seller on an online platform.

The devices were capable of emitting an electric current and could injure a person.

On Mar. 7, 2023, the parcel was intercepted at SingPost Centre by an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority screening officer after it went through an X-ray machine.

Ang had also failed to turn up for a required urine test on Apr. 3, 2023, and had no medical certificate nor a valid reason.

He was also found to have failed to turn up for urine tests on at least 107 other occasions between Apr. 10, 2023 and Jun. 16, 2025.

According to CNA, Ang also admitted to conspiring with a Lim Jun Hong to deliver duty-unpaid cigarettes worth more than S$175,000 on Feb. 8, 2023.

On Jun. 17, 2025, Ang was arrested at Woodlands Checkpoint after he was deported from Malaysia.

Ang was charged and remanded in Singapore shortly after.

DPP's arguments and defence's mitigation

In their submission, the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) sought 36 months' and six weeks' to 42 months' and eight weeks' jail.

According to CNA, the DPP told the court that Ang's reoffending pointed to weak prospects of rehabilitation.

The DPP also pointed out that Ang reoffended just four days after leaving the halfway house he was admitted to.

In mitigation, Ang's defence lawyer said that Ang has three children and was divorced, CNA reported.

The lawyer also went through Ang's efforts to secure employment and contribute to his family financially after he was released.

It was during this process that Ang asked a friend about employment opportunities and was referred to a job involving contraband cigarettes, CNA wrote.

Ang's lawyer also appealed for "mercy" and said Ang promises not to reoffend.

In sentencing, the judge noted Ang's "recalcitrant behaviour" and the amounts involved in the contraband cigarette offences, CNA reported.

Appeared in prison documentary

Ang first came into the public eye when he appeared in a documentary by CNA in 2022, showcasing the lives of inmates in prison.

His story was particularly well-received as he candidly shared his fears about his wife asking for a divorce and his concerns for his children.

He was previously jailed for carrying weapons, drug consumption and criminal intimidation.

Ang also appeared in a follow-up series documenting his life after prison.