Singaporean Man Pleads Guilty to Murdering His Wife in Newcastle
On a hot August morning, the courtroom in Newcastle crowned a dramatic turn of events: Fong Soong Hert – a 51‑year‑old Singaporean – decided to admit guilt for the murder of his wife of 28 years, Pek Ying Ling. The verdict came in record speed, wrapping up in under 30 minutes.
How the Day Unfolded
- Fong surprised the jury with a confession on the fifth day of his trial.
- The proceedings, originally slated for 10:30 am, were delayed for an hour‑and‑a‑half because Fong’s lawyers needed a quick pow‑wow.
- After a small talk with the judge, Fong paced the jury, looked at his sons in the gallery, and left the courtroom emotionless.
- The sentencing was scheduled for Friday, when the judge will decide the minimum term.
Why the Plea Change?
Judge Paul Sloan explained that the change came after extensive deliberation with expert witnesses. The defense’s idea of “diminished responsibility” was deemed unthreatening—so the jury was asked to interpret that Fong was officially guilty of murder.
In a candid moment, the judge nodded to the jury: “You won’t find stronger evidence of guilt than the defendant’s own confession.” The jury then formally declared him guilty.
What Happened?
Back in December, Fong allegedly smothered Madam Pek’s face with a pillow at the County Aparthotel in Newcastle. The couple had been on a multi‑month trip from Singapore to Dubai and Europe, planning to visit their three sons.
They ended up in Scotland, enjoying the Isle of Skye. An unfortunate tumble down a steep slope during a photo shoot is said to have sparked a chain of events that led to the tragic end.
Final Thoughts
Despite the seriousness of the case, the courtroom buzzed with a strange mix of tension and humor over the swift conclusion. The fate of Fong will be sealed at the sentencing hearing, where the judge will finalize the life‑imprisonment term that comes with those charges.
<img alt="" data-caption="Fong Soong Hert with his wife, Madam Pek Ying Ling, at Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland on Nov 26, 2021.
PHOTO: Alexis Fong” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”2c2d211f-68da-44d8-9fee-0e4153324126″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/murderrdrdrd.JPG”/>
What Happened on That Tragic New Castle Night
Although Miss Fong didn’t break any bones in the fall, the pain was real and lingered for weeks.
Early December: The Trip to Newcastle
- They checked into the County Aparthotel to meet their son.
- Fong, already hurting his back and legs, collapsed twice on Dec 4 and 5.
- Both times he fell on his wife, leaving her with a few if any bruises.
- After the second fall they went to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, where they waited hours, feeling helpless.
That Night at the Hotel
- After treatment they returned to the hotel, ate, talked, and discussed possibly cutting the trip short.
- In the dark hours of the night—exact timing unclear—Fong reportedly knelt on his wife to restrain her.
- Apparently, he pressed a pillow against her face for several minutes, after which she lost consciousness and later died from suffocation.
Fong’s Recollections
Throughout the trial, Fong admitted he couldn’t remember the exact hours between talking to his wife and finding her unresponsive the next morning.
He described it as a “nightmare” and said he “froze.”
He called his son Alonzo to say his mother wasn’t responding, and the son recalled the father saying he “lost it” and covered her mouth before the wife was declared gone.
The Arrest and Court Proceedings
- Police and paramedics arrived the next morning; the crew couldn’t recall what happened before his arrest.
- In the holding cell, Fong was recorded saying: “I snapped. I just wanted her to stay quiet.”
- He told the court that his 28‑year marriage had been “wonderful”—though they had occasional bickering that never became physical.
- He was openly remorseful, saying his heart was “really, really painful” and that his world had collapsed.
<img alt="" data-caption="Madam Pek Ying Ling, 51, was found dead in a luxury apartment in the Newcastle city centre.
PHOTO: Northumbria Police, Itv” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”a6a8e4d6-2315-47b6-9f48-4946dc88bc51″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/counnnntyyyy.JPG”/>
Tragic Family Drama Unfolds in UK Crime Case
Five-Day Inquiry into Fong & Alonzo
Over a span of five days, the prosecution and defence canvassed key witnesses—Fong, his son Alonzo, the pathologist, and a trio of police officers—while piecing together the grim puzzle that led to this heartbreaking outcome.
Children Step Up After Their Mother’s Loss
- The trio of siblings issued a heartfelt statement after hearing their father’s plea, expressing deep sorrow for their mother’s passing.
- They emphasized that “now, we just want to provide our dad with the support he needs.”
- These words, delivered with raw sincerity, hinted at a family united in the aftermath of tragedy.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Steel’s Response
Calling the case “an incredibly tragic situation,” DCI Matt Steel applauded the children for their composure and unwavering cooperation with the police. He added, “We are committed to supporting them in every possible way during this incredibly difficult period.”
Police Stance on Domestic Abuse
Steel emphasized, “We will absolutely not tolerate domestic abuse or violence in any form. When incidents like this arise, we are determined to bring those responsible to justice.”
Original Publication
This story was first shared in The Straits Times. Permission is required for any reproduction.
