Sylesnar Seah Jie Kai, the Suspect in Yishun Murder, Had Wanted to Make an ‘Unreasonable Request’


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Earlier this week, Singaporeans were stunned to learn about a murder which involved a 19-year-old being charged with murdering his 47-year-old father in Yishun.

The cause of death is currently still unknown as it was not indicated in the charge sheet for the capital offence.

During his court session on 13 Oct, Sylesnar Seah Jie Kai, who is the accused, tried to make an “unreasonable request”.

Sylesnar Seah Jie Kai’s Unreasonable Request During Court Session

Upon reaching the end of the court session, Sylesnar raised his cuffed hands and asked permission from the judge to speak, explaining that it was “concerning his life”.

After being granted permission, Sylesnar said, “I would like to make an unreasonable request, because I have already provided all the evidence I’m very sure, and I will cooperate in any way possible

“Well, the fact is the unreasonable request has to do with the sentencing of my life, it will not make much of a difference in my point of view, because if it’s a life sentence—”

However, before he could finish his statement, he was interrupted by Judge Terence Tay, who states that Sylesnar might be going into matters unsuitable to be raised in open court in the infancy stage of the investigation.

In other words, he should reveal whatever information privately to the investigators instead.

Remanded for Another Seven Days

During the court session on Thursday (13 Oct), the two deputy public prosecutors in charge of the case and asked Judge Tay to grant them a further remand of seven days on the basis that the investigation was only in the infancy stage.

Furthermore, due to how the investigation is still in the early stages, the prosecutor mentioned that it was too early for Sylesnar to have access to his defence counsel.

This led to the court rejecting Sylesnar’s lawyer’s request to have access to Sylesnar and also allowing for the remand.

This decision led to Sylesnar’s lawyer, Sunil Sudheesan, to be disappointed, stating, “This is a 19-year-old boy, what is wrong with him knowing his rights? I say you should allow it to advance our justice system. I am disappointed that the prosecution is objecting, that is all.”

In reply, the prosecutor mentions that there was no legal requirement for an accused to be made aware of his or her defences, or to have access to counsel before any statements are recorded.

Judge Tay agreed with the prosecution’s point and cemented the denial of Lawyer Sunil Sudheesan’s access to Sylesnar.

However, Judge Tay also mentioned that the Pamphlet of Rights should be given to Sylesnar at the earliest possible time.

Sylesnar’s case will be heard again on 20 Oct.


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If convicted of murder, he could be sentenced to death.

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Featured Image: Facebook (Shin Min Daily News 新明日报)