By Nadine Chua
SINGAPORE — Basnayake Keith Spencer, 37, has been charged with voluntarily causing grievous hurt with a dangerous weapon after allegedly stabbing Father Christopher Lee at St Joseph’s Church in Bukit Timah. The attack occurred during the evening mass on Saturday, November 9.
Appearing in court via video-link on November 11, Spencer appeared expressionless as the prosecution requested his remand at the Changi Prison Complex Medical Centre for a three-week medical evaluation. If convicted, Spencer could face life imprisonment or up to 15 years in prison.
According to court documents, Spencer approached Father Lee while the priest was distributing communion and stabbed him in the mouth. The victim suffered an 8cm laceration on his tongue, a 3cm cut on his upper lip, and a 4cm wound on the corner of his mouth. The assault, which involved a folding knife, posed a life-threatening danger to Father Lee.
After the attack, Spencer was disarmed by churchgoers and detained until police arrived. A video circulating online shows Spencer in a bloodied white T-shirt being led away from the church by police. In addition to the knife used in the attack, Spencer was found with four other weapons.
Spencer, a Sinhalese man, had declared himself a Christian to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and had previously attended the church. Authorities have ruled out terrorism and religious motives for the attack.
To ensure public safety, police increased patrols at places of worship following the incident.