SINGAPORE – A man received sexual services from another man in Geylang, then stole his money and struck him with a brick, leaving him bloodied in a back alley.

The 44-year-old victim suffered a skull fracture and extensive facial bone fractures.

On Sept 29, Richard M. Azhar, 23, pleaded guilty to grievously hurting the victim while robbing him.

Azhar was sentenced to 4½ years’ jail and 12 strokes of the cane.

The case of a co-accused, Shakur Han Shaid, who had allegedly assaulted the same victim after sexual services from him, is still before the courts.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Phoebe Tan said Azhar and Shakur went to Geylang to engage the services of prostitutes on Feb 3.

They met the victim, who was not named in court documents, and he agreed to provide sexual services to them.

The trio headed to the back alley of Geylang Lorong 21, where the victim provided the agreed services.

The victim then told the two men that they owed him $50 each, but Azhar said he did not have enough money.

He then snatched the victim’s bag and when the latter pulled it back, Azhar punched his face several times.

While the victim was on the floor, Shakur allegedly punched and kicked him. Azhar pulled the man’s bag from him and it tore, causing his belongings to scatter on the ground.

Azhar then picked up a brick weighing almost 2kg. Shakur took it from him and allegedly used it to hit the victim. Azhar then joined in the assault using the brick.

He then took the victim’s mobile phone, NRIC and $40 in cash and left the scene with Shakur, leaving the victim lying in a pool of blood.

The victim was later found unconscious, with his torn handbag and make-up products strewn on the ground. He was taken to Changi General Hospital for treatment.

DPP Tan said the victim sustained serious injuries, including extensive facial bone fractures and a skull fracture, and had to undergo multiple surgical procedures.

He also suffered injuries to the muscles in both legs, and required regular physiotherapy and occupational therapy sessions, said the prosecutor.

“The victim is now able to walk, albeit slowly and with assistance,” she said.

Furthermore, after Azhar stole the victim’s NRIC, he took a photo of it, intending to use it to borrow money from loan sharks.

He was arrested on Feb 4.

More on this topic

Urging the court to impose a sentence of five to 5½ years’ jail and 12 strokes of the cane, DPP Tan said: “We emphasise the vicious manner of the assault where the accused and co-accused rained blows on the victim and left him lying supine on the floor in a pool of blood and his clothing saturated with blood.”

Referring to Azhar’s actions, the prosecutor added: “He left the victim for dead and fled the scene.”

Those who commit robbery can be jailed for between two and 10 years and given at least six strokes of the cane.

If offenders use a deadly weapon or cause grievous hurt to a victim during the robbery, they can be punished with at least 12 strokes of the cane, in addition to any other punishment they may be liable to.