Drunk Voter Slapped with Hefty Fine for Stroking Hand of Polling Official While Picking Up Ballot

By
Singapore Elections_10302024_1
A man was fined for stroking a polling officer's hand during the presidential election in Singapore on Sept. 1, 2023. ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP

A man in Singapore was fined for drunkenly stroking a polling officer's hand while picking up a ballot then mocking security when he was told to stop.

Wickramasinghe Ashley Anura, 51, admitted he showed up drunk to vote in Geylang on Sept. 1, 2023. When a polling officer called his name, Anura burst into song and maintained eye contact with her, which she said made her uncomfortable, then touched her hand as he took the ballot, which sent her recoiling.

A senior presiding officer at the polling station scolded Anura after witnessing the interaction between him and the polling officer.

"Wow, security," Anura said before letting go of the victim's hand, Channel News Asia reported.

Police were called and Anura was arrested.

The prosecution said Anura's action toward a public servant in discharge of her duty is an aggravating factor and sought a $378 fine.

Anura's defense argued he is "unmarried and stays by himself" and "financially contributes to his aged parents." He also showed remorse for his actions, which caused "unnecessary stress" for both his family and the victim, and was compliant with the law.

The judge agreed to the $378 fine during court on Oct. 30, 2024, and Anura has since paid it in full.

Originally published by Latin Times

Tags
Singapore, Alcohol
Join the Discussion
More News
Church Burglar

Kickboxing Pastor Defends Church, Takes Down Suspected Burglar Armed with Axe: 'I Like to Stay Fit'

George Garner

South Carolina Mayor Killed Following Strange Sheriff 'Pursuit' Just Days After All Town Cops Suddenly Quit

Lachunda Johnson

Thanksgiving Argument Ends with Tennessee Grandma Stabbing Daughter, Grandson with Kitchen Knife: Police

Utah Daycare Childcare

Utah Daycare Ordered to Close After Worker Severs Child's Toes with Lawnmower in Front of Other Kids

Real Time Analytics