'Smiley' youth who allegedly slashed man's face not smiling anymore when charged in court

A youth who allegedly slashed a man's face in Tanjong Pagar was charged in court on Wednesday (Oct 9) with voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapon.

Wong Kian Hong, 21, is accused of slashing the left side of Mr Poh Say Hong's face at 1 Tras Link on Oct 3, leaving the latter with a 5cm "permanent facial disfiguration".

According to Lianhe Zaobao, Wong had visited a moneylending company at Orchid Hotel at around 4pm that day. Mr Poh, 31, a clerk at the firm, apparently rejected Wong's request for loan.

Wong fled the scene after allegedly attacking Mr Poh, but was arrested along Orchard Road on Tuesday (Oct 8).

Wong, who is currently under remand, will return to court on Oct 16.

If convicted for voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapon, he may face a jail term of up to 15 years, and shall be liable to a fine or to caning.