News Update Man's punch killed elderly

By Khushwant Singh, Court Reporter

A SINGLE punch to retiree Ng Yam Chok sent him crashing to the pavement, fracturing his skull. Following Yong Hong Peng's violent blow, the 78-year-old died in hospital four days later.

On Monday, Yong, 40, pleaded guilty to causing Mr Ng grievous hurt. The odd-job worker and part-time pimp initially faced a murder charge but this was later reduced after investigations.

The court heard that Yong had gone with his girlfriend, Ms Zhang Qun, to Geylang at 9.30am on Aug 12 last year. The Chinese national, 25, was studying accountancy at a private school here and was living with Yong in Beach Road then.
Immoral Earnings
At about 11am, Ms Zhang struck a deal with Mr Ng to have sex for $70. However, they had a dispute while booking a hotel room in Lorong 14 and continued arguing outside. When he saw them, Yong rushed over. After Ms Zhang told him that Mr Ng had hit her, Yong punched the older man in the face.

As his victim lay on the pavement, Yong told Ms Zhang to leave and he fled too. A resident called the police and provided a description of Yong, who was arrested on Aug 25.

Charged with murder, which does not allow for bail, he spent nearly five months in remand, before being released on $40,000 bail on Jan 22, when the charge was reduced. Yong, who will be sentenced tomorrow, could be jailed up to 10 years and fined up to $10,000 or caned. He also faces a charge of living on the immoral earnings of Ms Zhang. This case will proceed after he is sentenced for punching Mr Ng.