Singapore jails son of ex-Changi Airport boss for lying to judge in trial

Karl told District Judge Olivia Low that his family’s maid Parti Liyani had stolen his clothes when in fact the clothes were not his, South China Morning Post reported.

After passing sentence on Friday, Judge Eugene Teo granted a request by Karl, 45, to have the start of his jail term deferred until May 8.

Parti Liyani, 49, was a domestic worker for Karl’s family between 2007 and 2016. She was later tried for theft, accused of stealing items which included clothing worth about S$47,000 ($35,242) belonging to Karl, according to Channel News Asia.

During the theft trial between 2018 and 2019, Karl testified that two items, a red blouse and polo T-shirt, belonged to him.

Parti was sentenced to two years and two months’ imprisonment. This was overturned by the High Court on appeal in 2020, with Parti acquitted of all charges.

Investigations into Karl began after the High Court judge noted that Karl was a witness “who was not only lacking in credibility but also did not take the process of giving testimony seriously”.

Anyone convicted of lying to a public servant can be imprisoned up to six months, fined up to S$5,000 or both.