Singaporean man given life sentence for murdering his wife while on holiday in the UK

LONDON — A Singaporean man was on Friday (Aug 12) sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering his wife while they were on holiday in the United Kingdom.

Fong Soong Hert, also known as Alan Fong, initially pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denied the murder charge.

On Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to murder, telling the Newcastle Crown Court in England that he accepts “proper criminal liability” for his actions.

The minimum sentence in the UK for murder is life imprisonment.

Judge Sloan QC, Recorder of Newcastle, ruled that Fong must serve 12-and-a-half years in prison before being considered for parole.

Fong's wife Pek Ying Ling, also known as Evelyn Pek, was found dead at the County Aparthotel in Newcastle on Dec 6, 2021.

During the trial, the court heard that Fong and his wife were in the UK on holiday following a trip to Dubai and Europe.

They had planned to tour Scotland, but Fong suffered a bad fall while in the Isle of Skye. He tripped, lost his step and fell down a steep embankment.

Fong was given a mix of painkillers by paramedics before being taken to hospital to be examined. Days later, the couple travelled to Newcastle with their son Alonzo Fong and checked into the hotel.

The court earlier heard a recording of a call from Alonzo to emergency services at about 7am on Dec 6. He was heard saying: “Okay, he told me, I think they had some argument of some sort and then I think he lost it.”

During the trial, a pathologist who carried out the post-mortem told the court that 11 bruises and haemorrhages were visible on the victim’s chin, shoulders, arms and legs.

Fong, who took to the stand on Monday, described his marriage as “wonderful” and “peaceful”. He claimed he could not remember any details of killing his wife. CNA