Commonwealth chopper case: Man who injured 8 people in random attacks sentenced to 2 years’ jail

One of his victims was a six-year-old girl, who cannot be named due to a gag order.

Lau swung a knife at the girl and the blunt end hit her in the face. The incident happened at the lift lobby of Block 31 Margaret Drive.

The girl’s father, who shielded her, suffered lacerations on his left forearm.

The girl, who was taken to the National University Hospital, suffered an abrasion on her neck, and dental injuries from the attack.

Five other men and one woman, aged from 20 to 78 years old, suffered lacerations, scratches and bruises on various parts of their bodies in the attacks.

According to an Institute of Mental Health (IMH) psychiatric report dated Feb 27, 2024, Lau was diagnosed with schizophreniform disorder, which was untreated at the time of the offences.

The disorder is a mental health condition, with symptoms which include hallucinations and delusions.

A second report dated Sept 19, 2024 stated that there was a causal link between Lau’s mental condition and the attacks.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Timotheus Koh argued for a jail term of five to six years for Lau, noting that he requires treatment and close monitoring in a structured environment due to his condition.

In a report dated Jan 8, IMH stated that Tan remains a threat to himself because he continues to suffer from auditory hallucinations. He was also not responding well to treatment, as his symptoms did not improve despite taking medication.

“The accused needs a structured treatment environment. He cannot be released safely into the community if his psychosis does not remit,” said DPP Koh.