What happens when a 90-year-old who killed his wife is unfit for trial? Singapore judge sets five-year term, but law minister has final say
SINGAPORE, Aug 29 — A Singapore judge has set a five-year notional imprisonment period for a 90-year-old man who w...
A Singapore judge has imposed a five-year notional imprisonment term for an 90-year-old man who was deemed unfit to stand trial for allegedly murdering his wife due to severe cognitive impairment, according to The Straits Times. Notional imprisonment periods do not represent actual sentences, as Ridawi Morsudin has not yet been convicted.
Instead, they determine the maximum confinement period that the Law Minister can order under Singaporean law. The minister will ultimately decide whether Ridawi should be confined to a psychiatric institution, another secure location, or released conditionally, with the 90-year-old currently residing at the Changi Prison Complex Medical Centre awaiting the final decision.
Justice Hoo Sheau Peng suggested that six years would have been an appropriate starting point, but reduced it by one year after taking into account doctors' assessments that Ridawi posed a low risk of reoffending and was now entirely dependent on others for daily care. She dismissed the defense's proposal for a two- to three-year term, citing Ridawi's age and declining health.
According to the judge, Ridawi successfully murdered his wife in a brutal and forceful manner when he was 88 years old, exhibiting strength and aggression during a period of delirium.
The accused is charged with killing his 74-year-old spouse, Aminah Abdul, at their home in Bukit Panjang between the evening of June 4, 2024 and early the following day. Aminah sustained at least 34 slash and stab wounds, along with fractures to her skull, neck, spine, and ribs, according to an autopsy. Ridawi's mental faculties had deteriorated significantly since 2022, with court documents noting that he became increasingly aggressive, lost the ability to recognize family members, and frequently wandered off and got lost.
In 2024, he was diagnosed with mixed dementia and admitted to a day-care center for seniors with dementia, but was discharged due to his growing uncooperativeness. His children took turns delivering meals to him while he was left at home, monitored by a CCTV camera. The night of the killing, Ridawi's grandson witnessed Aminah lying in a pool of blood while Ridawi stood behind his recliner.
Upon his grandson's return home, Ridawi reportedly informed him, "That person (is) no longer alive. It's too late."
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
