Man jailed for 3.5 months over graffiti mischief

Man jailed for 3.5 months over graffiti mischief

SINGAPORE - He had sprayed the word "Anarchy" at the inline skating park in Bishan with a circle around the first letter of the word.

Muhammad Ashraf Alias, 29, told police that this was a symbol that meant "to destroy everything".

He also admitted that he "hated everything in life" and he "felt good" in committing mischief.

In a district court yesterday, the former dishwasher changed his tune and said he regretted his actions.

He pleaded guilty and was jailed for 31/2 months.

He had sprayed the graffiti at the Bishan Harmony Park at 8.45pm on June 8.

He then went to the street football court at Ang Mo Kio Avenue1.

There, he wrapped newspaper around the can of spray paint that he had used earlier and set fire to it in a rubbish bin.

The next day, he was back for more mischief making.

A jogger saw him spraying graffiti at the football court and called the police. There was also a smouldering rubbish bin nearby.

On seeing the police, Muhammad Ashraf tried to flee on his bicycle but was nabbed after a short chase.

He also admitted to police to finding and misappropriating a wallet at Tai Seng MRT station in early June and spending the $20 in it.

A report from the Institute of Mental Health stated that Muhammad Ashraf knew it was wrong to commit these acts.

He said he wanted attention and for "his voice to be heard".

The report further stated that he was not of unsound mind and that he was fit to enter a plea.

He could have been jailed for up to a year and fined for each act of mischief.

khush@sph.com.sg


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