A 43-year-old man was sentenced to a week in jail and fined $7,500 on Feb 24 after pleading guilty to offences including harassment and fighting in a public place stemming from a long-running dispute with a neighbour.
Neighbourhood Dispute Escalates
Seah Chin Leong, who has since moved from the property, initially pleaded guilty on Feb 9. Assistant Public Prosecutor Chye Jer Yuan told the court that Seah and his family moved to a house near Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 around July 2022, residing near his neighbour, Neo Shi Ming, 37.
The dispute escalated over time. Shortly before 3am on August 1, 2024, Seah confronted Neo over the parking of his vehicle. A scuffle broke out, prompting Neo’s sister to contact the police. Later, around 12:45am on Nov 5, 2024, Seah threw two glass bottles from his house towards a car belonging to Neo’s father, damaging a door panel and low skirt panel with repairs estimated at $900.
Further incidents included Seah kicking Neo’s car and, on Feb 22, 2025, burning joss paper in a bin near the Neo family’s car. When a passerby extinguished the flames, a dispute ensued, resulting in Seah hitting the Neo family’s gate with a metal stick, causing an estimated $1,000 to $2,000 in damage.
Seah was arrested on May 6, 2025, and had paid over $3,000 for damages as of Feb 24, 2026. His bail was set at $15,000, and he is expected to begin his jail sentence on March 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges did Seah Chin Leong plead guilty to?
Seah Chin Leong pleaded guilty to offences including harassment and fighting in a public place.
When did Seah Chin Leong move from the property?
The source states that Seah Chin Leong has since moved to another property, but does not specify when.
Was Neo Shi Ming charged in connection with the dispute?
The prosecution described Neo Shi Ming as a co-accused, but court documents do not state whether he had been charged or dealt with earlier.
How might escalating disputes between neighbours be prevented in similar residential areas?