A man in Singapore was fined for drunkenly stroking a polling officer's hand while picking up a ballot then mocking security when he was told to stop.
Wickramasinghe Ashley Anura, 51, admitted he showed up drunk to vote in Geylang on Sept. 1, 2023. When a polling officer called his name, Anura burst into song and maintained eye contact with her, which she said made her uncomfortable, then touched her hand as he took the ballot, which sent her recoiling.
A senior presiding officer at the polling station scolded Anura after witnessing the interaction between him and the polling officer.
"Wow, security," Anura said before letting go of the victim's hand, Channel News Asia reported.
Police were called and Anura was arrested.
The prosecution said Anura's action toward a public servant in discharge of her duty is an aggravating factor and sought a $378 fine.
Anura's defense argued he is "unmarried and stays by himself" and "financially contributes to his aged parents." He also showed remorse for his actions, which caused "unnecessary stress" for both his family and the victim, and was compliant with the law.
The judge agreed to the $378 fine during court on Oct. 30, 2024, and Anura has since paid it in full.
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