Man jailed, caned for stabbing priest at Singapore church

A man who violently attacked a priest during a religious service has been sentenced to over four years in jail and caning in Singapore. Basnayake Keith Spencer, 38, received the sentence on Friday for stabbing Father Christopher Lee Kwong Heng in the mouth with a knife during communion at St Joseph’s Church on November 9, 2024.

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brazen and wholly unprovoked attack

The attack, which occurred after a children's mass, left Father Lee with a stab wound to the floor of his mouth and lacerations. The 59-year-old priest underwent surgery and received extensive post-surgery care, including speech therapy, and was on hospital leave for 40 days. In addition to the knife used in the assault, Spencer was found to be carrying other weapons, including a butterfly knife and a penknife.

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struck at the heart of the sensibilities of the public

Prosecutors described the act as a "brazen and wholly unprovoked attack" on a vulnerable victim, highlighting that it happened in front of hundreds of congregants. They argued for a sentence of four years and three months to four years and 11 months, along with nine strokes of the cane, emphasizing the need for deterrence against similar acts and to quell public disquiet. The court heard that Spencer was voluntarily intoxicated at the time, having taken multiple nitrazepam tablets, which he claimed were to help him focus and calm down. Medical reports indicated the drug could cause him to "lose his mind," hear voices, and have bizarre thoughts, but the prosecution stressed he must bear full responsibility for his actions.

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clearly aware