A 77-year-old man, Low Poh Puay, was sentenced to six weeks in jail for assaulting his wife, Lian Siew Eng, after she confronted him about chatting with a beer promoter at a coffee shop. The incident occurred on November 10, 2023, around 11:10 pm, when Low returned home from a night of drinking. The altercation resulted in Lian suffering fractures to her nose and thumb.
## Background
The argument began when Lian, 66, suspected her husband of engaging in conversation with a beer promoter. This suspicion led to a heated confrontation, during which Low grabbed a mop and struck Lian on the head. In retaliation, Lian used a bamboo pole meant for laundry to hit Low’s hands. Low then took hold of another bamboo pole and repeatedly struck Lian’s head until she started bleeding.
## Police involvement
Low himself alerted the police to the incident. Upon their arrival, he was arrested, and their son, who had just returned home, called for an ambulance for his mother. Lian was hospitalised for eight days due to the fractures she sustained.
## Low’s possible stress factors
Low pleaded guilty to voluntarily causing hurt to someone he was in an intimate relationship with. He faced a potential sentence of up to six years in jail, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both. However, Low mentioned to the judge that his wife often said negative things to him. A medical report revealed that Lian had schizophrenia and had likely been experiencing symptoms for a long time without adequate treatment. She was found to be medically stable on November 18, 2023, and was transferred to the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). The court also noted that the couple’s son was mentally ill. Considering Low’s advanced age and the stress of caring for his wife, the court sentenced him to six weeks in jail.
## Related events
This incident highlights the challenges faced by elderly caregivers, especially those dealing with mentally ill family members. The court’s decision took into account the complexities of Low’s situation, including his age and the mental health issues within his family. This case underscores the importance of mental health support and the need for adequate treatment for those suffering from mental illnesses.
