Singapore: A 24-year-old Singaporean of
Indian decent was sentenced to death by the High Court here
for murdering his teenage ex-girlfriend, who had taunted him
that her new beau was better in bed than him.
Pathip Selvan Sugumaran did not dispute the charge that
he killed Jeevitha Panippan, 18, more than two years back in
the suburb housing estate of Ang Mo Kio.
However, he maintained that he was provoked by her
remarks about her new beau being better in bed than him.
Pathip claimed in the court that he lost self-control and
his mind went "blank" during the stabbing, `The Straits Times`
reported on Saturday.
The High Court also rejected Pathip`s defences, including
psychiatrist Tommy Tan`s testimony that the accused had
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition
associated with impulsiveness and rage, a mental state that
reduced his responsibility for the killing.
Jeevitha was found dead with 15 external injuries,
including three fatal blows, on July 8, 2008.
Justice Kan Ting Chiu dismissed claim of the mind going
blank and ADHD symptom of Pathip.
Family members and friends packed the court room and
wailed as the sentence was passed yesterday.
Defence lawyer Subhas Anandan said his client would be
appealing against the mandatory death sentence by the
Court.
PTI
