THE Singaporean man arrested for stabbing a priest at a church in Bukit Timah on Nov 9 has been identified as Basnayake Keith Spencer, reported the Straits Times (Singapore).
According to parishioners, Basnayake, 37, had previously been seen at St Joseph’s Church in Upper Bukit Timah but was not a regular.
A video circulating online following the attack on 57-year-old Reverend Christopher Lee on Nov 9 showed a lean, bald man in a bloodied white T-shirt being led away from the church with his hands behind his back.
According to ST, the man in the video is Basnayake.
He was convicted and jailed in 2019 for causing hurt with a dangerous weapon, having pleaded guilty to stabbing his former girlfriend at a party while he was on drugs.
Reports said Father Lee is in stable condition and remains in hospital so that doctors can monitor him.
Police said at a press conference early on Nov 10 that five weapons had been found in the assailant’s possession, including the folding knife used in the attack.
The attack took place during the church’s monthly children’s mass, while Holy Communion was being given out.
The suspect will be charged in court with the offence of voluntarily causing grievous hurt with a dangerous weapon, the police said.
If he is convicted, the offence, under Section 326 of Penal Code 1871, carries a punishment of life imprisonment, or imprisonment for a term that may extend to 15 years.
The offender shall also be liable to caning and/or a fine. - November 11, 2024
