Condo mischief-maker won’t testify in hearing against him

Mr Lee, who vandalised two neighbours’ padlocks, allegedly showed a lack of remorse in comments made to three reporters. — ST PHOTO: SHAHRIYA YAHAYA

THE ex-chairman of the Laguna Park management committee decided not to testify at a hearing which is meant to determine his alleged lack of remorse for an act of mischief committed last year.

By not taking the stand yesterday, Mr Lee Kok Leong, 62, will not be subjected to cross-examination by the prosecutor.

In April, the general manager of shipping firm Ng Teow Yhee & Sons pleaded guilty to vandalising the padlocks of two neighbours’ homes.

Both neighbours were against the collective sale of the condominium in Marine Parade.

He faced a maximum penalty of a $10,000 fine and a year in jail on each charge.

The prosecution appealed against the $1,200 fine and tendered affidavits by three reporters who interviewed Mr Lee following the case in April, to show his lack of remorse.

The High Court then instructed the lower court to hear this new evidence.

Ms Celine Lim of The New Paper testified yesterday that Mr Lee had told her: ‘What’s there to regret? What’s done is done.’

She was the last of the prosecution witnesses.

Mr Lee’s lawyer Ramesh Tiwary then announced that his client did not wish to tender any evidence at this stage.

This means Mr Lee will not be refuting the testimony of the prosecution’s witnesses.

On Aug 28, Ms Rachel Chan of mypaper said that Mr Lee told her the sentence was reasonable but added: ‘Fine, fine, lor. After all, I can afford to pay.’

She said Mr Lee then added: ‘One night, I spend $4,000 on karaoke. What is $1,200?’

He also said he was not remorseful and when asked why, he said it could be due to his depression.

Ms Kimberly Spykerman of The Straits Times testified that Mr Lee made similar comments to her.

District Judge Soh Tze Bian will now relay the findings of the hearing to the High Court for the appeal to proceed.

On Wednesday, it was announced that Laguna Park was put up for collective sale with a price tag of $1.2 billion. Most of its owners will stand to receive sale proceeds of more than $2.1 million each.

Mr Lee still has a flat there.

Source : Straits  Times – 5 Sep 2009