In another case, a man threatened his wife with a chopper when he came home drunk. He later burned her clothes in the kitchen. He made the same threat three days earlier when his wife told him she did not have any money to give him. He was sentenced to seven years of preventive detention after he pleaded guilty to criminal intimidation and committing mischief by fire. He also admitted to violating a personal-protection order issued by the court to his wife. In his mitigation plea, he told the court that he would stop drinking and be a good father to his son upon his release.
If your neighbour is unreasonable and has
(i) harassed you
(ii) threatened to hurt you
(iii) caused you inconvienience, sadness/distressYou may ask the court to help you. You may see a lawyer to help you or you may go to the court directly. If you consult a lawyer, he will consider whether
(i) your complaint is reasonable;
(ii) to contact the Person to discuss the matter;
(iii) to go to court to make a complaint.Very often, the problem is resolved when a lawyer meets with the Person and explains the seriousness of the matter to him. The lawyer is aware that (as far as possible) the matter is best resolved in an amicable manner without going to court. He will try and meet and explain the complaint to the Person in a gentle, yet firm manner because the lawyer is aware that neighbours have to live together and see each other everyday. However, if the Person does not wish to cooperate, it may be necessary to go to the court.
Please see a sample of a complaint below
IN THE SUBORDINATE COURTS OF SINGAPORE
COMPLAINT
Complainant
Please state: Miss Tan Ah Moi
NRIC No. S3777371B
Tel: 272 4772
Date: 13 July 13, 2000
Time 11.00 amSolicitor's Name
Mr John A K Lim
Firm: ABC & Partners
Tel: 434 2330 Fax: 334 7008
File Ref No. T623/977804JLRespondents
Please state: Lim Ah Too
Complaint
Related Case No: None
Police Report No.: D/85 dated 9 July 2000-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------FOR OFFICIAL USE:
MSS/SS/PSS __________/ ___________ ____________ DIV
Summons Serial No: ____________________
Date of Service & Time: ________/________/ __________ 9:00 am / 2:00pm
Court Date & Time :: ________/________/ ___________ 9:00 am / 2:00pm
Court No. :
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue Notice/Warrant/Summons
Against :_______________________________________________________
Of :___________________________________________________________
Under Section : _________________________________________________
District Judge/Magistrate:_________________________________________
The complainant being examined on oath states :-
(1) On 9 July 2000, I returned home at around 2.30 am and I saw my neighbour Lim Ah Too in the common corridor leading to my apartment. He shouted loudly and waved his fist at me. He complained that my flower pots were blocking his passage way. I told him to mind his own business.
(2) He rushed, screaming with a clenched fist. I retreated and tried to get away from him but he caught hold of my shirt with his left hand and with his right hand, he hit and slapped me. I was injured in the face, lips, arms and legs.
(3) I went to the General Hospital for treatment. After that I went to the Clementi Police Station to report the attack.
(4) I now pray for process against Lim Ah Too.
Signature of Complainant
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Before me
Interpreted by
District Judge / Magistrate
Interpreter of the Court
After the magistrate has listened to your complaint, he may issue an order requiring the Person to appear before him in the Magistrate Chamber.
If the matter is cannot be resolved, the magistrate will order the neighbour to be charged in Court. If the neighbour is found guilty, he may be punished by the Court.
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