SINGAPORE — The National University of Singapore (NUS) law professor involved in the sex-for-grades trial was diagnosed with acute stress disorder when he was warded at Alexandra Hospital (AH) last year, according to witnesses from the hospital who took the stand today.

Tey Tsun Hang, 41 — who is accused of corruptly obtaining gifts and sex from his former student Darinne Ko in exchange for better grades — was admitted to the hospital just 12 hours after he was hauled to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) on April 2 last year for investigations.

Tey, who maintains that his CPIB statements were extracted under duress, is currently contesting their admissibility in his corruption trial.

Dr Michael Yong Kian Hui, director for psychiatry and Consultant at AH, said that Tey - who claimed that the CPIB threatened him during questioning - was found to be suffering from a form of anxiety disorder, where someone who is exposed to traumatic events perceives real and severe threats to himself or his family members.

However, lead prosecutor Andre Jumabhoy, while cross-examining Dr Yong, questioned whether it was possible that there was no actual threat at all to the person suffering from such a condition, and whether Tey “simply believe(d) there is one”.

Dr Yong agreed that this was possible.

Mr Jumabhoy then asked Dr Yong if a diagnosis is made based on what a patient says, and whether inaccurate information given by the patient could lead to a false diagnosis. Dr Yong concurred and said this was possible.

Earlier in the day, Tey requested for his cautioned statements – which are recorded by an investigating officer when accused persons have been charged with an offence – made in July last year to be submitted to the court.

This came after Mr Jumabhoy on Wednesday charged that Tey had been “making things up” about the events that transpired when he was brought in for questioning at the CPIB last year.

Tey said that the admission of the cautioned statements would “rebut” the prosecution’s “allegations”.

Chief District Judge Tan Siong Thye allowed the submission, although Mr Jumabhoy objected, stating that the documents might prejudice the court.

Tey’s main corruption trial will begin after the court decides if his CPIB statements are admissible.