JUDICIAL MERCY
At the previous hearing, Ong’s defence team, led by Senior Counsel Cavinder Bull from Drew & Napier, had called for judicial mercy to be exercised in this case on account of Ong’s multiple, severe medical conditions.
Mr Bull said Ong had a rare form of blood cancer known as advanced multiple myeloma, which has destroyed parts of bone in his spine. His condition and treatment have compromised his immune system, making him vulnerable to life-threatening infections.
The cancer has also damaged his skeletal system and affected his balance, making him very susceptible to life-threatening falls, said Mr Bull.
He argued for a “stiff” fine without specifying a figure, saying prison would expose Ong to potential infections that could kill him.
The prosecution, led by Deputy Chief Prosecutor Christopher Ong, who is also senior counsel, said there was a basis for the court to exercise judicial mercy given Ong’s medical conditions.
They sought the maximum fine instead. There is no maximum fine specified in Ong’s charge sheet for the specific offence of abetting obstruction of justice, but the State Courts can impose a fine of up to S$30,000.
Had it not been for Ong’s serious medical conditions, the prosecution said eight weeks’ jail would have been appropriate for Ong.
Mr Iswaran’s total sentence was 12 months for a total of five charges, with another 30 charges taken into consideration. He has since been released on remission after completing home detention.
