by K.C. Vijayan

THE Court of Appeal raised the jail term of a gang leader from four years and nine months to seven years even though he did not lay a hand on his victim, to make it clear that there was no room for leniency for those who perpetuate gang violence.

It warned that such violence if left unchecked would have wider consequences in the community.

The three-judge court underscored its stand when it explained why it raised the jail term of ringleader Leong Soon Kheong, who was behind the fatal gang attack on polytechnic student Wong Dao Jing in February 2003.

For more The Straits Times stories, click here.