Singapore man gets six years’ jail and 12 strokes after brutal Geylang alley attack leaves 67-year-old dead

During the argument, Zubir pushed the older man — who was using a walking stick — causing him to fall. Despite being restrained by his wife, he attempted to punch Sivarajoo and tried to snatch his walking stick. CCTV footage later showed Zubir repeatedly pushing and punching the victim.

A witness intervened and helped Sivarajoo onto a chair as he bled from his nose and mouth. Police were called.

Minutes later, Zubir returned and the confrontation resumed. He pushed Sivarajoo again, causing him to fall and hit his head. Witnesses said blood flowed from the victim’s nose, mouth and ears.

Sivarajoo was taken to Changi General Hospital and diagnosed with a brain haemorrhage and skull fracture. Doctors warned his family he would likely remain in a vegetative state.

He underwent surgery but developed seizures days later. His family later removed life support, and he died on August 19, 2024.

On the same day as the assault, Zubir and his wife lodged a false police report accusing Sivarajoo of offering to sell them ketamine and turning violent when they declined. Zubir maintained the account during investigations before later claiming he could not remember the incident, only admitting to the assault after being shown CCTV footage.

The court also considered other offences committed by Zubir, including stealing an electric bicycle a day before the attack, and earlier thefts involving cash cards, a wallet and money from a parked car. In a separate incident in May 2024, he punched a student nurse at Singapore General Hospital and hurled vulgarities at an auxiliary officer.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Quek Lu Yi described him as a “recalcitrant, serial offender”, adding: “His acts of causing hurt escalated to the present violent assault with the accused raining punches on and forcefully pushing the aged, vulnerable deceased, ultimately causing his death.”

In mitigation, Zubir, who was unrepresented, said: “I feel very guilty about what happened to the deceased, and I will never forget this incident. I truly apologise to his family.”

Sentencing him, Principal District Judge Toh Yung Cheong said Zubir had been fully aware he was attacking an elderly man. He highlighted the offender’s “extensive criminal history”, including multiple convictions for causing hurt, as an aggravating factor requiring stronger deterrence.