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SMRT vandalism case: Lawyer negotiates for fewer charges

SiNGAPORE — The case against the two Germans, accused of vandalising an SMRT train at Bishan depot, was heard in court today (Dec 17) with their lawyer negotiating for fewer charges to be acted on against them.

Andreas Von Knorre, 21. Photo: Ooi Boon Keong

Andreas Von Knorre, 21. Photo: Ooi Boon Keong

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SiNGAPORE — The case against the two Germans, accused of vandalising an SMRT train at Bishan depot, was heard in court today (Dec 17) with their lawyer negotiating for fewer charges to be acted on against them.

Andreas Von Knorres and Elton Hinz, both aged 21, have been slapped with four charges each — three of the charges were for entering the depot without authorisation and another for vandalism by using spray paint to draw graffiti on an SMRT train at the depot.

Speaking after a pre-trial conference at the State Courts today, their lawyer Christopher Bridges said that the defence is negotiating for the court to proceed on two charges, with the other two to be taken into consideration, instead of proceeding on three charges with one charge being taken into consideration. The negotiations were held in a closed-door conference before District Judge Siva Shanmugam.

Mr Bridges said his clients had instructed him that they would be “taking certain course”. TODAY understands Von Knorres and Hinz could plead guilty.

According to Mr Bridges, his clients are still in remand in Changi Prison, while their families are in contact with their lawyers in Germany and also with the German Embassy here.

Von Knorres and Hinz were first charged for vandalism and trespassing on Nov 22 by the State Courts. The two additional charges were made against them on Nov 28.

They were arrested on Nov 20 by Malaysian police at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, where they were about to board a plane to Australia. Both were on visas that allowed them to work and travel in Australia.

They were accused of committing the offences between Nov 6 and Nov 8, while on a first-time visit to the Republic.

If found guilty of vandalism Von Knorres and Hinz could be jailed for up to three years or fined up to S$2,000. They may also face between three and eight strokes of the cane. For trespassing, they could be fined S$1,000 or jailed for up to two years, if found guilty.

The case will be heard again on Jan 14.

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