Singaporean Teen Sentenced After 'Zombie Vape' Incident and Assault
A 15-year-old boy in Singapore has been sentenced to two years in a reformative training centre at the Singapore Boys’ Home after admitting to multiple offenses, including assault and possession of e-cigarettes. The case involved an incident where he and an accomplice assaulted another teen after an argument over a "zombie vape" cartridge and subsequent disorderly conduct related to vaping at home.
The 'Zombie Vape' Incident and Assault
On March 5th, the defendant, along with a friend identified as T, met with another youth, V, to consume a "zombie vape" cartridge. An argument ensued when V refused to lend the cartridge to T, leading to a physical altercation. The defendant and T repeatedly punched and kicked V, causing him to fall to the ground. Despite V being down, the assault continued, resulting in bleeding from his nose and mouth. The attackers then demanded valuables from V, searched his pockets, and threatened him with a claw knife. Finally, they stole V's "zombie vape" cartridge and fled. V was later diagnosed with a bruised lip and a fractured nasal bone.
Mother's Alarm and Police Intervention
On May 1st, the defendant's mother called the police, exclaiming, "My son is going crazy." When police officers arrived at their home, the mother showed them an e-cigarette and explained that her son's behavior became erratic after using it. When one of the officers asked the defendant to sit down, he yelled at the officer. The officer then noticed cuts on the defendant's legs and insisted on a medical examination, which the defendant refused, also verbally abusing the officer. Court documents do not specify if the defendant was arrested that day.
History of Violent Conduct and Theft
The defendant has a history of violent behaviour. In July 2023, he assaulted a 13-year-old boy after overhearing the boy speak negatively about him and his friends. The defendant and his group took the boy to a multi-story car park stairway where they punched, kicked, and slammed his head against the wall and ground. The victim lost consciousness for 10 minutes and vomited twice after regaining consciousness. He sustained injuries to his ears, knees, chest, and abdomen. The police were eventually alerted by a female family member.
Furthermore, the defendant committed multiple thefts from stores in 2023 and 2024.
Family Background and Sentencing
The defendant's parents are divorced, and his father is incarcerated. The court noted that although the father was involved in the defendant's life post-divorce, he was unable to assist the mother in disciplining him. The judge also cited a lack of suitable family members able to support the defendant and his mother effectively. Citing the lack of robust familial support and oversight being detrimental to a successful probation period, the judge deemed placement in the Singapore Boys’ Home more beneficial.