The court found that Arokkiasamy Dyson and Rajendran had acted with premeditation and used violence to intimidate the victims, which warranted the maximum permissible penalties under Singapore’s strict laws against assault and robbery. The sentences included both imprisonment and corporal punishment, reflecting the country’s dual approach of deterrence and retribution.
During the trial, prosecutors highlighted that the assaults caused both physical injuries and psychological trauma to the victims, emphasizing the seriousness of targeting vulnerable individuals. The court noted that the defendants showed little remorse during proceedings, which contributed to the severity of the sentence.
Singaporean law imposes caning for certain violent crimes, including assault and robbery, especially when committed against vulnerable persons. Each stroke of the cane is intended to serve as both a punitive measure and a strong deterrent against future offenses.
The case also underscores the vigilance of Singaporean authorities in protecting all residents and visitors, including sex workers, and enforcing strict consequences for criminal acts, regardless of the nationality of the offenders. Diplomatic channels were reportedly informed, given that the convicts are Indian nationals, to ensure proper consular access during their imprisonment.
