Youth gets close to 9 years for 'senseless and vicious' attack
Teen gets nearly 9 years' jail for assault that left victim bedridden
The judge described the "brutal" assault as one that "almost defied description".
District Judge Mathew Joseph said yesterdaythe "senseless and vicious" attack was "one of the worst cases of grievous hurt" heard in his court.
His words were aimed at Mohammad Noor Helmi Mohammed Herman, 19, who was jailed for eight years and eight months, given six strokes of the cane and fined $1,500 after assaulting Mr See Chien Hwa near Block 201E, Tampines Street 21, at around 3.30am on March 6.
It has been nine months and Mr See, 39, is still warded at Bright Vision Hospital after he was left bedridden with brain damage.
Judge Joseph told the youth: "You have extinguished Mr See's life to nothing."
Noor Helmi, a mover, was the last of Mr See's four attackers to be dealt with in court.
GUILTY
On Nov 5, Noor Helmi pleaded guilty to one count each of voluntarily causing grievous hurt, criminal intimidation, performing a rash act, possession of a dangerous weapon, theft and drug consumption.
Two counts of mischief and a second criminal intimidation charge were taken into consideration.
In June and July last year, he consumed methamphetamine, or Ice, and stole a bird and a birdcage worth $1,000.
Three months later, he threatened a man with a knife at Block 160, Tampines Street 12, before joining three friends at Block 240, where they hurled items - including a pram and toy scooter - from the fifth storey.
On March 6, Noor Helmi was with Mohammad Zaidi Zahad, 18, Ahmad Sholihin Mosa, 23, and Muhammad Syazwandi Abdullah, 16, at Tampines Street 21 when Mr See tapped his shoulder to ask for a cigarette.
After Noor Helmi said he did not have any, Mr See bought a drink from a convenience store before slapping Noor Helmi on the back, the court heard.
Mr See then sat on a bench with a male friend and shouted at the group.
The youths went up to Mr See. Noor Helmi smashed a bottle on his head before kicking his upper body until he fell. They continued punching and kicking him before fleeing.
Zaidi, who is jobless, and Syazwandi, a student, were sentenced on Nov 26 to reformative training. A stint at the Reformative Training Centre lasts between 18 months and three years.
Five days later, Ahmad Sholihin, also jobless, was jailed for 4½ years and given three strokes of the cane.
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