British man, Singaporean fiancee charged after he breaches stay-home notice to meet her in hotel

SINGAPORE: A British national and his fiancee, a Singapore citizen, were charged on Friday (Jan 15) after he breached stay-home notice requirements to spend time with her in the hotel where he was serving his notice.

Another Singaporean who returned from Batam in March last year was also charged on Friday with breaching stay-home notice requirements, said the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

The British national was serving his stay-home notice at a hotel when he left his room without a mask on three occasions on Sep 21 last year, said ICA in a news release.

"On the last occasion, the male subject was with his Singaporean fiancee, who was not subjected to (a stay-home notice), but had booked a different room in the same hotel," it said.

The British man was charged under the Infectious Diseases (COVID-19 – Stay Orders) Regulations 2020 and COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020.

For abetting his breach of stay-home notice requirements, his fiancee was charged with an offence under the Infectious Diseases (COVID-19 – Stay Orders) Regulations 2020 read with Section 109 of the
Penal Code, said ICA.

SECURITY OFFICER WORKED DURING STAY-HOME NOTICE PERIOD

The other case involves a Singapore citizen who returned from Batam on Mar 17, 2020, when he was served with a stay-home notice.

"Instead of proceeding to the declared (stay-home notice) address on the same day, he took a bus and wandered around Geylang Serai before spending the night at a Bedok housing estate," said ICA.

The man went back to work as a security officer during the period from Mar 18 to Mar 24, without informing his company or manager of his stay-home notice.

During the 14-day stay-home notice period, the man also spent time in various public places, added ICA.

He was charged under the Infectious Diseases Act.

"To safeguard our community's health and safety, everyone needs to play their part and comply with the (stay-home notice) requirements," said ICA.

"All travellers are to comply with the prevailing public health regulations and requirements in Singapore."

Those convicted under the Infectious Diseases (COVID-19 – Stay Orders) Regulations 2020 face up to six months in jail, a fine of up to S$10,000 or both.

Foreigners may face further penalties such as revoking or shortening the validity of permits and passes to remain in Singapore, said ICA.

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