Man fined for stroking hand of polling officer
On Wednesday (30 Oct), a Singaporean man was fined S$500 for stroking the hand of a polling officer during the 2023 Presidential Election.
Wickramasinghe Ashley Anura, 51, pleaded guilty to one count of using criminal force.
The 31-year-old polling officer, a primary school teacher, was serving as the presiding officer at a polling station in Geylang, where her duties included distributing ballots to voters.
The incident took place when Wickramasinghe approached her counter.
Inappropriate conduct due to alcohol
According to Channel NewsAsia (CNA), Wickramasinghe arrived at the polling station with his girlfriend around 9.30am.
As he neared the counter to collect his ballot, the polling officer detected a strong odour of alcohol on him.
To verify his identity, she read his name aloud.
In response, Wickramasinghe unexpectedly began singing while maintaining eye contact with her, which made her uncomfortable.
He then reached out and stroked her hand.
Source: Kritchanut on Canva, for illustration purposes only
The polling officer quickly withdrew her hand, prompting a senior presiding officer, who had witnessed the incident, to intervene and request that Wickramasinghe cease his behaviour.
He complied but reportedly responded, “Wow, security,” in a “mocking” manner.
The police were summoned, and Wickramasinghe was taken into custody.
He later acknowledged that he was intoxicated when he touched the polling officer’s hand.
Regrets his behaviour
While the interaction was brief, the prosecution contended that Wickramasinghe’s actions towards a public servant performing her duties were an aggravating factor.
Conversely, his attorney argued that Wickramasinghe was genuinely remorseful and had cooperated fully with law enforcement since the incident.
To avoid similar mistakes in the future, he began using opioid blockers before drinking alcohol, which diminish the pleasure associated with consumption.
The 51-year-old also financially supports his elderly parents.
After weighing both sides, the judge imposed a fine of S$500, which Wickramasinghe paid promptly.
He could have faced a maximum of three months in prison, a fine of up to S$1,500, or both for his actions.
Also read: Woman throws hot soup at ex-boyfriend in Geylang coffee shop spat, jailed over 9 weeks
Woman throws hot soup at ex-boyfriend in Geylang coffee shop spat, jailed over 9 weeks
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image by MS News.
