Belgium national accused of murdering his son offered reduced charge by prosecution

SINGAPORE — The Belgium national accused of murdering his five-year-old son in October last year has been offered a reduced charge of culpable homicide — which will spare him from the gallows — if he enters a guilty plea.

Philippe Graffart, 42, was charged with murder on Oct 7 last year after his son was found dead in their home at D’Leedon condominum.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Shamila Sripathy on Wednesday (March 23) offered to amend the initial charge — which carries the death penalty or life in imprisonment and caning — if he pleaded guilty instead of claiming trial.

The maximum punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder is a jail term of 10 years, a fine, caning, or any combination of these.

In response to media queries on why the prosecution is amending the charge, the Attorney-General’s Chambers said: “Every case is assessed on its own merits. The Prosecution carefully considered the facts and circumstances of this case. The accused suffered from major depressive order which substantially impaired his mental state at the time of the offence. The charging and sentencing position will be made clear when the matter is heard in open court.”

The case will be heard in the High Court on March 29, in a pre-trial conference.