A man suffering from a schizophrenic episode has been sentenced to four weeks’ jail for ramming an airport trolley into a Certis Cisco robot at Jewel Changi Airport. Carlos Daniel Alves de Sousa, a Portuguese national residing in Singapore, pleaded guilty to the charge of committing mischief. This incident, which resulted in significant damages to the robot named Peter, disrupted the roving patrol operations at Jewel Changi Airport.
The Incident and Investigations
On March 24, a Certis Cisco aviation security officer reported an incident involving a damaged patrol robot at Jewel Changi Airport. It was discovered that De Sousa had used an airport trolley to ram into the robot on the second level kerbside. The officer, alerted by a witness, found Peter non-operational and with external damages. De Sousa was subsequently located and apprehended with the assistance of the police.
Consequences and Mental Condition
Peter sustained damages totaling S$13,080 and was out of commission for 48 days. During this period, there was no replacement robot available to support the roving patrol efforts. An Institute of Mental Health (IMH) report confirmed that De Sousa was suffering from a schizophrenic episode at the time of the incident, leading to his subsequent remand at IMH for psychiatric assessment.
Sentencing and Apology
Considering De Sousa’s mental condition, the prosecution decided not to seek a longer jail sentence. Instead, they requested a four-week jail term. The prosecution also confirmed that they would not pursue a compensation order from De Sousa. Prior to the sentencing, De Sousa apologized for his actions, expressing remorse for the trouble he had caused.
Conclusion
The sentencing of the man responsible for damaging the Certis Cisco robot at Jewel Changi Airport sends a message that accountability prevails, even in cases involving mental health conditions. The incident highlights the need for increased understanding and support for individuals with mental illnesses. As Singapore continues to prioritize the safety and efficiency of its public spaces, measures must be taken to ensure appropriate interventions and support for those experiencing mental health challenges.
