Ong Jenn Gets a Longer Sentence: 43‑Year‑Old Metro Family Scion to Stay Behind Bars
After a High Court “upgrade” of his sentence, former Metro family scion Ong Jenn is set to spend another year in prison. The Dutch‑language judge lifted his term from two to three years over charges of attempted drug possession.
Why the Extra Year?
The court’s decision comes in the name of deterrence, citing a recent spike in cannabis abuse. Ong was caught transaction‑wise with a block of marijuana on a supplier he’d allegedly bought for $5,000.
Originally, the charges were for abetting the sale of 92.68 g and 385.1 g of mixed cannabis—each count carrying at least five years behind bars plus a five‑stroke cane flog. However, after a six‑day trial, the judge acquitted Ong on the higher offence, calling it “his own stash” meant for personal use. He was, however, guilty of attempted possession and given a two‑year term.
The Appeal Breakdown
- Prosecution appealed Ong’s acquittal on the original counts and his reduced sentence.
- In May last year, justice Hoo Sheau Peng dismissed the appeal against the acquittal, arguing that Ong’s prior heavy use made it “absurd” to claim intent of selling when he already owned 360 g.
- Yesterday, the Deputy Public Prosecutor, Kow Keng Siong, pushed for a “quantity‑based” sentencing framework—claiming a minimum of three years because Ong had no mitigating factors.
- Ong’s lawyer, Senior Counsel Tan Chee Meng, blew the whistle on what he called a “prejudiced” extension, pointing out that Ong was about to be released under home detention.
What the Court Saw as “No Mercy”
Justice Hoo had a tough time believing Ong’s voluntary sobriety post‑arrest. She said the rehabilitation and chilling community volunteering were only after the arrest and could not counterbalance a nearly 20‑year drug history. She also clashed with the original judge on the idea of a discount for a guilty plea.
With statistics showing a 22% rise in cannabis seizures and a 17% jump in new users from 2015 to 2016, the court was firmly in “strict mode.”
Wrap‑Up
Ong, who clocked in his first jail day on 12 July last year, will now serve a third year in prison. The judges’ side‑project: they’ll still keep an eye on his future home‑detention prospects, but for now, the 43‑year‑old will be on the inside.
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