Andrew WongThe Straits TimesNov 9, 2024

Three Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) warrant officers were each convicted of one charge of affray after engaging in a brawl at an entertainment facility on June 28.

On Nov 8, the trio appeared in the State Courts and stood in the dock together as their charges were read out.

Ranger Ng Zhi Wei, 41, who is a second warrant officer, and third warrant officers Kevin Nicholas Simon, 34, and Kelvin Tang Chee Tat, 43, pleaded guilty. The brawl took place at Aviary KTV at The Chevrons recreational club near Boon Lay Way.

When meting out the sentences, District Judge John Ng said the brawl was in part due to intoxication. He added that while Ng admitted to having started the fight, he could not even remember why he ended up hitting the other two.

The prosecution had earlier urged the court to give Ng a “substantially higher” fine as he had instigated the fight.

Ng was fined $2,500; Tang $1,500; and Simon $1,000.

The Ministry of Defence said on Nov 8 that the SAF will be taking action against the trio now that court proceedings have concluded.

The court heard that the fight occurred shortly after 8pm on June 28, 2024.

The trio reached the KTV outlet at about 3pm with several other colleagues from the Singapore navy’s Naval Diving Unit for Simon’s farewell celebration. It was not clarified in court if Simon was leaving the SAF.

The group consumed alcohol. Shortly after 8pm, CCTV footage captured Ng charging towards Tang and throwing punches. Tang retaliated by punching Ng, before both fell down.

Simon kicked Ng, who was on the ground. The three men were separated by their colleagues.

The court heard that there were some 30 other customers at the KTV outlet at the time. Tables were toppled and about 10 drinking glasses were broken during the brawl.

During investigations, Ng told the police he remembered that someone insulted him but could not recall charging towards Tang.