Covid-19: Probation for woman who spat at and verbally abused KFC employee

SINGAPORE — Irate that she had to wait for her food, Lin Si Ting shouted at a KFC restaurant service manager using vulgarities and spat at her twice.

The 43-year-old Singaporean, who suffers from schizophrenia, was sentenced on Monday (May 24) to nine months of probation for her actions.

She had previously pleaded guilty to one count each of harassment and using criminal force on the KFC employee. For sentencing purposes, District Judge May Mesenas took into consideration a third charge of not wearing a mask over her mouth and nose at all times.

A video of the altercation taken by another customer went viral on social media.

Lin had done this during the circuit breaker period last year at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when movement and activities were restricted to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

As part of her probation, Lin was ordered to attend psychological or psychiatric follow-up sessions, and take prescribed medication as required by her psychiatrist.

Her mother posted a bond of S$5,000 to ensure her good behaviour.

Probation is typically offered to offenders under 21, and to adults in exceptional circumstances.

The prosecution did not object to the sentence after Lin was earlier found unsuitable for a mandatory treatment order — a community sentencing option offered to offenders suffering from mental conditions that contributed to the offence.

The court heard that the incident took place on April 22 last year. Lin had gone to the KFC outlet at Nex mall in Serangoon and placed an order there.

After waiting for about six minutes, she approached the counter and shouted at the staff members there, asking why they were taking so long with her order.

The service manager apologised, explaining that there were earlier orders they had to fulfil, but Lin demanded for her food immediately. The service manager said that this would not be fair to the other customers and told her to wait five more minutes.

Lin demanded a refund if she did not get her food immediately. When the service manager agreed and asked for her receipt, Lin threw it at the other woman instead of handing it over.

She then pulled down her mask and continued shouting at the manager, using vulgar words and pointing at the victim, saying: “Wait for you to die, wait for your whole family to die.”

She then leaned forward and spat at the manager twice. Her spittle landed on the other woman’s arm.

After this, she took the cash refunded to her and walked off, but she returned a few minutes later, claiming that she was returned less than what she had paid.

When the manager checked on this and said that the amount was correct, Lin started shouting that she had shortchanged her.

The staff members finally called the police but Lin left before officers arrived.

Those convicted of using criminal force on others can be jailed for up to three months or fined up to S$1,500, or both.

Offenders who use abusive words can be jailed for up to six months or fined up to S$5,000, or both.