An elderly man in Singapore has gone on trial after allegedly breaching a court protection order obtained by a couple who said they felt unsafe in their own home because of repeated incidents involving their neighbour.
Heng Choo Hwi, 69, is contesting a charge of breaching an expedited protection order by allegedly singing and striking metal objects outside his neighbours’ flat for about 11 minutes on Feb. 5, 2026.
The case was heard at the State Courts on Wednesday (Aug. 19), with the prosecution relying on CCTV footage, evidence relating to the service of the protection order and witness testimony.
The dispute began cordially
The alleged victims, Alvin Chan and his wife, Sheryl Seet, live at Block 513C, Yishun Street 51.
Chan told the court that the couple initially had a cordial relationship with Heng after they moved into their flat. According to his testimony, however, the relationship deteriorated and the couple began experiencing what they described as persistent harassment.
The couple’s lawyers subsequently issued a cease-and-desist letter in August 2025. When the alleged behaviour continued, they sought an expedited protection order, which was obtained on Jan. 12, 2026, and took effect on Jan. 19.
Under the order, Heng was prohibited from placing or discharging liquid in the common corridor, making abusive or insulting gestures towards the couple, and deliberately creating loud noises near their flat.
CCTV footage becomes central to trial
Prosecutors allege that Heng breached the order just weeks after it took effect.
On Feb. 5, Chan said he was returning from work when Heng allegedly began loudly banging cans and singing outside the couple’s flat. Chan testified that the noise continued even after he entered his home.
The prosecution also presented video clips in which banging, chanting and singing could be heard while Heng was seated outside his own unit.
Chan told the court that the situation had made him and his wife feel so unsafe that they had decided to leave their matrimonial home and move back in with his parents.
Heng denies the allegations
Heng, who is representing himself and communicating through a Mandarin interpreter, disputed Chan’s characterization of the incidents.
During cross-examination, he questioned where the videos showed that he had harassed the couple and asked whether he was not entitled to sing or carry out his own activities during the day.
He also maintained that he and the couple had not communicated or quarrelled and said that, on Feb. 5, he was simply cleaning cans and clearing his belongings rather than harassing his neighbours.
The prosecution, however, said it would rely on the available footage and documentation concerning the protection order to establish its case.
More allegations remain before the court
The singing-and-banging allegation is not the only accusation Heng faces.
Two other charges have been stood down temporarily while the current trial proceeds. They involve allegations that he breached the protection order by pouring liquid outside the neighbours’ flat and kicking an item towards it, as well as making threats if town council workers removed items outside his unit.
Heng has denied the allegations.
The trial is ongoing, meaning no finding of guilt has been made against him.
If convicted of breaching the expedited protection order, Heng faces a possible jail term of up to six months, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both, according to CNA’s report.
Singapore’s wider battle with neighbour disputes
The case highlights how seemingly ordinary neighbour conflicts can escalate into formal legal proceedings in Singapore.
The Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT) handle certain disputes involving neighbours where conduct may cause unreasonable interference with a person’s enjoyment or use of their home. Eligible claims can generally involve neighbours living in the same building or within 100 metres, subject to the requirements of the law.
Singapore has also seen other neighbour disputes reach the courts. In June 2026, CNA reported that a 72-year-old woman was fined S$2,500 after repeatedly failing to comply with a CDRT order involving furniture outside her flat and the positioning of a CCTV camera.
The current Yishun case, however, involves an alleged breach of an expedited protection order, making the legal stakes particularly significant.
For now, the central question before the court is whether the prosecution can prove beyond the required legal standard that Heng knowingly breached the terms of the order.
The trial continues.
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