Man who bought stun device online jailed for four months and fined $3,000

SINGAPORE - Intending to protect himself from his "enemies", a 30-year-old man bought a stun device that was shaped like an Apple iPhone. But Alexander Aw Boon Hao later brandished it when he quarrelled with his girlfriend. He was sentenced to four months' jail on Friday (July 9). Aw was also ordered to pay a fine of $3,000, in default of which he will have to serve an additional two weeks' jail. The Singaporean, who was not represented by any lawyer, had earlier pleaded guilty to a charge of illegally possessing the stun device. Another charge of voluntarily causing hurt to his girlfriend was taken into consideration during sentencing. He had grabbed her by the hair. Court documents did not state if Aw and his girlfriend are still together. In August last year, Aw purchased the stun device online using the shopping app Wish. He had claimed to have bought it for $20, the court earlier heard. He felt pain and suffered bruises after testing the item on himself. Aw would carry the device with him when he went out, even though he knew that it was unlawful. He got into an argument and then a scuffle with his girlfriend in a taxi on Nov 26. Aw took out the stun device and told her to keep quiet. But she called the police when they reached their residence - a flat in Ang Mo Kio. The girlfriend later told police officers responding to her call about the stun device. She had been puzzled seeing Aw carry two phones around. She also mentioned that she had spoken about this at the coffee shop where she worked, and a customer had told her the item might be a stun device. More on this topic   Related Story Man arrested for rash act and possession of 18 airsoft guns   Related Story Jail, caning for man who smuggled gun from Malaysia to 'scare' rival gang members The device was discovered in Aw's sling bag by the officers. He initially told police officers that it was a signal jammer but could not explain why he would need the item. Aw later admitted that it was a stun device after they tested it on the spot and saw that it produced a crackling sound with a spark. On Friday, he told Senior District Judge Ong Hian Sun that he would not be paying the fine, and would serve the default two weeks' jail instead. For the offence of unlawfully possessing the stun device, Aw could have been jailed for up to three years and fined up to $5,000. More on this topic   Related Story Man accused of selling replica guns allegedly tried to get Grab driver to deliver goods   Related Story Courts & Crime: Read more stories

Football: Brighton stun Liverpool with 1-0 win at Anfield

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND (REUTERS) - Liverpool's hopes of back-to-back Premier League titles suffered a massive blow as Brighton & Hove Albion claimed a shock 1-0 victory at Anfield on Wednesday (Feb 3). Steven Alzate was credited with bundling in the winner in the 56th minute and Liverpool could not respond as they failed to score for the third successive home league game. With leaders Manchester City beating Burnley earlier on Wednesday, fourth-placed Liverpool are now seven points behind Pep Guardiola's side having played one game more. Brighton followed up their weekend home win over Tottenham Hotspur with another disciplined display and a toothless Liverpool could have few complaints. Alzate was in the right place at the right time as a towering header by Dan Burn was cleared straight at him and he directed it past Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher. While Liverpool pressed in a desperate bid to break down Brighton's blue defensive wall, they were occasionally exposed at the other end with Leandro Trossard and Yves Bissouma both going close to doubling Brighton's advantage. Brighton held on comfortably to move 10 points above the relegation zone into 15th place. More on this topic   Related Story Football: Maddison pulls strings as Leicester ease to win at Fulham   Related Story Football: Man City restore lead at top with routine win at Burnley

Football: Burnley stun Liverpool to end unbeaten home record

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND (REUTERS) - Champions Liverpool suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to lowly Burnley on Thursday (Jan 21), ending their 68 match unbeaten home record in the Premier League as their title defence continued to fade. An 83rd minute penalty from Ashley Barnes, after he was brought down by goalkeeper Alisson Becker, decided the contest after Juergen Klopp's side failed to score for the fourth straight league match. Liverpool have not won for five games in the league and trail leaders Manchester United by six points, in fourth place. It was Burnley's first victory at Anfield since a 1-0 victory in September, 1974 and Sean Dyche's side were rewarded for a superb defensive display. Divock Origi had struck the bar for Liverpool in the first half, with only Burnley keeper Nick Pope to beat and Roberto Firmino missed a good chance after the break. But for all their pressure and 73 per cent possession, Liverpool struggled to create real openings with Ben Mee and James Tarkowski outstanding in the centre of Burnley's defence. When Liverpool did manage to find space for a shot, Burnley keeper Nick Pope was up to the test, getting down well to keep out efforts from Trent Alexander-Arnold and substitute Mohamed Salah. But too often Liverpool drifted in poor crosses which were easily dealt with by Burnley's defence. The Clarets, who made a poor start to the season, move up to 16th place on 19 points.