SINGAPORE, Aug 21 — A man who stabbed a priest during communion at St Joseph’s Church in November 2024 was sentenced today to four years and three months’ jail and nine strokes of the cane.

Basnayake Keith Spencer, 38, pleaded guilty to voluntarily causing grievous hurt and to carrying multiple weapons in public without lawful purpose, according to a report by CNA.

Prosecutors called the attack a “brazen and wholly unprovoked assault” on a defenceless priest, emphasising that it unfolded in front of hundreds of parishioners during a children’s mass.

Basnayake stabbed Father Christopher Lee Kwong Heng in the mouth with a foldable knife that had a 10cm partially serrated blade after queuing for communion on November 9, 2024.

The priest sustained injuries to the floor of his mouth, tongue, upper lip and mouth, and later underwent surgery followed by extensive post‑operative care.

The court heard that Basnayake also carried a butterfly knife, a penknife, a fishing gaff and a mallet either on him or in his bag at the time of the attack.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Xu Si Jia said the incident “struck at the heart of the sensibilities of the public” and argued that deterrence was necessary to address widespread disquiet.

She told the court that Basnayake had taken five nitrazepam tablets before the attack and was “clearly aware” of their effects, adding that his psychosis was “entirely self‑induced”.

A doctor from the Institute of Mental Health reported that Basnayake had previously lost consciousness and experienced hallucinations after consuming the tablets.

Defence counsel said Basnayake took the drugs to calm himself and stay focused, arguing that it was unclear whether he understood the pills could trigger psychosis.

They said he was remorseful and ashamed, and asked the court to impose a proportionate sentence.

District Judge Shaiffudin Saruwan said the punishment must reflect the gravity of the offence, noting that the priest was attacked “at the precise moment he was administering a sacred ritual and would’ve been entirely defenceless and unsuspecting”.

He highlighted the risk of mass panic and further injuries, given the crowded church and the nature of the attack.

The judge also noted Basnayake’s history of violence while under the influence of drugs, calling the latest offence a clear escalation that required specific deterrence.

Basnayake has been in remand since November 11, 2024, and was denied bail due to concerns over public safety.

Carrying weapons in public without lawful purpose is a non‑bailable offence punishable by up to three years’ jail and at least six strokes of the cane.

Voluntarily causing grievous hurt carries a possible sentence of life imprisonment or up to 15 years’ jail, a fine and caning.