The High Court imposed a 15-year prison term and 10 strokes of the cane on Mohamed Serajudeen Mohamed Yusoff on 8 October 2026 for killing a 71-year-old stranger in Serangoon North.
The 33-year-old pleaded guilty to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, a criminal offence for causing death in circumstances that do not legally constitute murder.
His victim, Andrews John, suffered serious head injuries during the attack on 19 November 2024 and died on 29 November.
Argument Near Supermarket Led to Attack
Serajudeen, then an operations manager in the food and beverage industry, drank heavily after work. His friends booked him a private-hire ride home.
During the journey, he abused the driver and vomited. When the driver stopped to cancel the trip, Serajudeen kicked him and threatened him over calling the police.
Serajudeen subsequently encountered the victim outside a supermarket at Block 151 Serangoon North Avenue 2. The strangers bumped into each other and began arguing, before continuing their dispute in an alley behind the block.
Serajudeen punched the victim and continued the assault after he fell, including stamping on his upper body. He then left. Police arrested him the following day.
Three additional charges involving his conduct towards other people were considered in determining his sentence.
Judge Rejected Argument About Victim’s Vulnerability
According to The Straits Times, Justice Andre Maniam treated the victim’s vulnerability and Serajudeen’s excessive drinking, despite his history of alcohol-related aggression, as factors warranting a heavier sentence.
The defence argued that the victim’s willingness to argue reduced his vulnerability. The judge disagreed, noting that Serajudeen had initiated the physical attack and delivered every blow.
Defence Sought Shorter Sentence
CNA reported that prosecutors sought at least 15 years’ imprisonment and 10 strokes, citing previous violent offences committed while intoxicated.
Defence lawyer Quek Liuyong requested nine years and nine months, with five strokes. He said Serajudeen regretted the death and had promised to stop drinking.
