A MAN, who was locked up in a Thai prison for 14 years for murder, was brought back to court to face a burglary he committed 21 years ago and other offences.

Lee Seow Poh, 46, unemployed, pleaded guilty to a $15,600 break-in and theft at a provision shop in Strathmore Avenue with five others on Nov 22, 1986.

For this, he was given two years' jail.

He was sentenced to another six months and six strokes for having a kris and a knife on board a taxi along Lower Delta Road on April 23, 1988.

A district court heard that Lee and his accomplices broke into Tan Siong Hock Provision at Block 46 Strathmore Avenue that day using a cutter.

They ransacked the shop and got away with assorted cigarettes, liquor, lottery tickets, a safe and cash.

All except one of his accomplices have been dealt with.

Lee, who received his share of $600, was arrested along Havelock Road in June 1988.

In the other case, police checked the taxi with Lee and two other passengers in front of Teresa Ville condominium.

A 13cm-long kris and an 18cm-long knife were found on the floor board below the driver's seat next to Lee.

The court heard that the trio appeared tense when police stopped the cab.

Investigation showed that Lee had taken the two knives along as one of his friends was expecting some trouble with others at Bugis and had asked for his help.

He subsequently fled to Thailand where he spent 14 years in prison for murder. He came back this year.

Four other unrelated charges were considered during his sentencing on Thursday.