No more re-entry to Singapore: Australian man jailed after stealing perfume bottles at Changi Airport

An Australian man will not be allowed to re-enter Singapore after being jailed for stealing two bottles of perfume at Changi Airport last year, authorities have confirmed. The 37-year-old suspect was apprehended as he attempted to re-enter the country, and was sentenced to jail on Tuesday, September 1. The incident occurred when the man was boarding a flight to Kuala Lumpur at Changi Airport on November 19 of the previous year.

He had previously entered a shop before his flight and took two perfumes, worth more than S$400, from the store. The theft was only discovered later when the store security guard noticed missing items and reported the incident to the police. The suspect made a full settlement of his crime two days after his arrest, and his lawyer claimed that he was suffering from major depression and anxiety disorder at the time of the crime.

The judge took into account the suspect's mental health and his recent personal struggles, including betrayal by his girlfriend and caregiving for his elderly parents. Although the judge initially considered sentencing him to just four days in jail, the final verdict was for a jail term when he will no longer be allowed to return to Singapore.