Briton Who Refused to Wear Mask & Even Challenged the Police Fined $8,000

By
Ong Ming Zhi
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Singapore has its fair share of “comedians” who simply refuses to abide by the rules.

One famous example is the Marina Bay Sands “Badge lady”, who became famous for not wearing a mask inside the mall despite numerous reminders by the safe distancing ambassadors.

However, despite these incidents, there are still people who are unwilling to abide by the law.

Recently, a 55-year-old Briton has been fined $8,000 after he had pleaded guilty in court to one count of breaching COVID-19 regulations for refusing to wear a mask inside City Square Mall.

Like what people always say; Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

Defied the Authorities

Mr Mockridge Philip Richard, a Singapore permanent resident, was said to have defied the police after they kindly told him to put his mask on outside of City Square’s Mos Burger on 16 May last year.

When told to put his mask back on, Mr Mockridge replied, “Are you sure about that? I’m not so sure.”

Typically, people only pull their masks in indoor settings when they are taking a sip of their Koi Caramel Milk Tea or Mr Coconut with 25% sugar; and even so, those people quickly pull their masks back on afterward.

However, despite not eating or drinking anything, he still had his mask under his chin, which is an offense.

Shortly after, he walked away from the officers to collect his food.

The officers then approached him again. This time, Sergeant Shawn Ang Yi Xiang asked if he had an issue wearing a mask indoors, to which Mr Mockridge replied, “Which law are you referring to?”

Sergeant Ang then read out the law, to which Mr Mockridge shockingly replied, “And if I don’t, what will you do?”

Maintaining his professionalism, Sergeant Ang proceeded to explain that composition fines are given to first and second-time offenders, while repeat offenders will be persecuted in court.

Still not getting the hint, he replied, “So you’re threatening to put me in a cage?”

Had Two Prior Charges for Not Wearing Mask

Apparently, this wasn’t his first time getting tangled with the authorities.

Back in 2019, he failed to put on his mask at Serangoon MRT station. He also failed to wear a mask at Sengkang MRT station back in 2020.

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Prosecutor Seeks $10,000 Fine

During the court session, Deputy Public Prosecutor Wu Yu Jie seeked a fine of $10,000. He said that the fine was reasonable as Mr Mockridge was unmasked for about 15 minutes in an indoor setting when he had no reason to do so.

Prosecutor Wu further added that Mr Mockridge was already being investigated for two similar incidences where he failed to comply with the authorities and wear a mask.

During his mitigation, Mr Mockridge said, “I was not entirely sure what the law was.”

It’s like you telling the teacher that you didn’t know got homework despite her telling you yesterday during class.

A first-time offender can be jailed up to six months and/ or fined up to $10,000 for each charge under the Covid-19 act.

Repeat offenders on the other hand, may face a maximum jail sentence of one year and can be fined up to $20,000.

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Ong Ming Zhi
Email: [email protected]