Dave Teo Jail

I pity Dave Teo.

He was the culprit who caused alarm to Mindef. He was the one who sparked off arguments in Parliament. He was the one who escaped from Mandai Hill Camp. He was the one who wanted to kill his gf. He was also the one who caused his buddy, a pimp to be sentenced to jail and strokes of canes. He is Dave Teo Ming.

The incident tat occurred last year shocked the nation, particularly those who have served their national service. The security breach in Mandai Hill Camp led to Defence Minister to investigate the whole saga. A 21 year old guy, who is capable of smuggling out a rifle plus live round is DANGEROUS. Anyway, the judge has sentenced him 9 years and 2 months imprisonment, with 18 strokes of cane. It was meant to be a deterrance sentence.

While reading the judgement, Justice Tay Yong Kwang said something sentimental.

'Dave, you have had a very hard life.'

I suddenly feel very sorry for Dave. A person at this age, to spent his prime time life in prison. Once released, he is already in his 30s. This poor guy indeed led a pathetic life. He came from a broken family. He was often caned by his mother when he was a young schoolboy and his father was in and out of jail for various offences. His mum is a gambler too. At the age of 7, he was rejected by his own mother, who left him in the care of his paternal grandparents.

Teo's grandparents and aunt remembered how traumatised Dave was as a child. His mother would even throw chairs at him. Though no longer staying with his mother, his paternal uncle, who lived with him, would punch and slap him if he misbehaved during his teens. When he was 14, his younger brother was killed in a road accident. This caused Dave 'to spiral downwards with disciplinary problems'. He was filled with anger and hated everybody.

After these ordeal, he became a possessive bf. When they broke off, he snapped. That is when it ended up stealing rifle from his camp to kill his gf. Well, there are definitely up and down in life. His wrong upbringing and family problem adds on to wat he is today. I believe he could still change for the better but obviously, he chose the other way.

As wat the judge say, 'To everything there is a season."

There was a time when you loved, there came a time when you hated. There was a time when you felt you wanted to kill, now is the time for you to heal. There was a time you were broken down, now is the time to build yourself up. There was a time when you were at war in your being, now is the time to restore peace within. In spite of your difficult childhood and in spite of what you have done, do not every give up on yourself.

It was very sentimental for the judge to say that. I really feel sorry for Dave after finding out his background. I hope he will really listen to the judge. Do something meaningful in life that will help others. Despite having a rough childhood, tat is not the end of the world. I believe if he is willing to change, there is always opportunity. Let see how Dave will be in 9 years time...