Man attacked debt collector with axe

A LEGAL debt collector just wanted to do his job by collecting money that was owed.

He knocked on a 40-year-old man's door to ask for the $120 that was owed. However, the man not only refused to pay, but also attacked the debt collector with an axe.

The victim, who ended up in hospital with deep cuts on his face and legs, required surgery and had to wear a knee brace for six weeks.

His medical bills came to more than $6,300.

Chong Chee Hiong yesterday pleaded guilty to hurting Mr Sandy Tan Xin Sheng on Feb 13 outside his Woodlands Drive 44 flat with the axe, which Chong had kept behind his shoe cabinet for protection.

The court heard that 24-year-old Mr Tan, who was then working part-time with Oasis Credit, had visited Chong's home once before.

He knocked on Chong's door around 11pm. The jobless man took some time to answer the door before asking Mr Tan if he knew what time it was.

The victim said it was his job to approach him regardless of the time, as Chong did not want to pay. They then had a discussion about the loan in the corridor. Chong insisted he would not pay up.

He suddenly retrieved the axe, which belonged to his father, and slashed the debt collector's face, continuing to attack him on the legs even after he had fallen to the ground. He then dropped the axe and kicked Mr Tan a few times.

During investigations, Chong admitted that he borrowed money from both loan sharks and legal credit companies due to his gambling habit. He also said he recognised Mr Tan from his previous visit.

He will be sentenced on Sept 18, after the court granted his request for time to settle personal matters. For voluntarily causing hurt with a cutting instrument, he could be jailed for up to seven years, caned and fined.

 
This article was first published on September 6, 2014.
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