Todd's death consistent with hanging, not garrotting: pathologist
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 16 May 2013 4:22 PM
Senior consultant forensic pathologist Dr Wee Keng Poh emphasized three points to show that Dr Shane Todd's death was consistent with hanging and not garrotting which is strangulation using a cord.
SINGAPORE: A senior consultant forensic pathologist on Thursday took the stand on the fourth day of the Coroner's Inquiry into the death of American researcher Shane Todd to explain the autopsy conclusions.
Dr Wee Keng Poh, who has been practising for more than 40 years, supervised the autopsy that was performed on Dr Todd's body.
Dr Todd was found hanged in his apartment in June last year.
Dr Wee emphasized three points to show that Dr Todd's death was consistent with hanging and not garrotting which is strangulation using a cord.
Dr Todd's parents believe their son was murdered over his work at Singapore's Institute of Microelectronics but Dr Wee noted that the ligature marks around Dr Todd's neck were typical of hanging - in that they extended from below the chin towards the back of the neck in an inverted 'V' shape.
If he had been strangled, the mark would have been more horizontal and completely encircled his neck, leaving no gap.
Dr Wee also noted that at the time of the autopsy, there appeared to be no haemorrhaging or fractures inside the neck, neither were there any scratches around the neck which would have indicated a struggle to relieve strangulation.
There were no signs of external injuries to the upper limbs and hands.
Dr Wee's findings were corroborated by two independent experts whose reports have been submitted to the Court.
The Todd family had also submitted a report from an expert they consulted - Dr Edward Adelstein, a Deputy Medical Examiner.
Dr Adelstein had expressed the view that Dr Todd's death was a homicide, referring to what looked like blunt trauma to both Dr Todd's hands as evidence of a fight.
Dr Wee explained on Thursday the bruise-like discolouration to Dr Todd's hands as "postmortem lividity" in which blood pools in the dependent parts of the body due to gravity.
The Todd family then put forward more photographs taken around July 4 last year at Dr Todd's wake, which showed what appeared to be scratches around Dr Todd's neck.
Their lawyer then asked if it was possible the marks could have been there but did not show up during the autopsy.
Dr Wee reiterated his point that the marks had not been present when Dr Todd's body was examined in Singapore.
On Thursday afternoon, the psychiatrist that Dr Todd consulted last year took to the stand.
Psychiatrist Nelson Lee told the court that he had diagnosed Dr Todd with moderate major depressive disorder with a significant component of anxiety.
Dr Todd had gone for a consultation on April 4 last year and was prescribed anti-depressants.
Dr Lee said that Dr Todd had complained of symptoms such as low mood, poor sleep and energy, as well as loss of concentration.
Dr Lee noted however, that Dr Todd did not talk about, or display any suicidal tendencies or self-harm at the time of the consultation.
Dr Todd was supposed to make an appointment for a follow-up three weeks later but did not do so.
The hearing continues.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Court hears how Todd was found hanged with feet on floor
Court hears how Todd was found hanged with feet on floor
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 15 May 2013 5:15 PM
UPDATED: 15 May 2013 10:51 PM
On the third day of the coroner's inquiry into the death of American researcher Shane Todd, the court was given an explanation on how he was found hanged with his feet on the floor.
SINGAPORE: The coroner's court was given an explanation on how American researcher Shane Todd was found hanged with his feet on the floor.
This came on the third day of the coroner's inquiry into Dr Todd's death.
Ms Lim Chin-Chin of the Health Sciences Authority's Forensic Science Division gave an account of the simulation experiments that were conducted based on evidence at the death scene.
One of the simulations involved testing the stretching and relaxing of a strap when subjected to a load similar in weight to Dr Todd's body.
The strap was a replica of the one from which Dr Todd was hanged.
Ms Lim revealed that for someone of Dr Todd's height - which is 183cm - there would still be a gap of between 6.5 cm and 11.2cm if the strap did not stretch.
But when subjected to a weight of 89kg - which is Dr Todd's weight - the strap would stretch sufficiently for Dr Todd's feet to have touched the floor.
Another simulation experiment also looked at whether it was possible for Dr Todd to secure the noose around his neck and put it over the top end of the door without any assistance.
The simulation experiments also sought to demonstrate that it was possible for Dr Todd to use his feet to kick a chair that had been found about 1.5 metres from where he was hanged.
Dr Todd's parents were clearly upset after hearing Ms Lim's evidence. As the family's lawyer was about to begin his cross-examination, Dr Todd's mother interrupted to ask if the hearing could be adjourned till Thursday as she felt like she was about to throw up.
Rick Todd, father of Dr Todd, said: "The evidence that has been presented, we can't rely on. It's been moved, it hasn't been preserved. We're trying to get to the bottom of it, I don't know if we will get to the bottom of it."
Dr Todd's mother, Mary Todd, added: "We came to Singapore to find out the truth and we were told the defence and our team would work as a team to find the truth. They're not adversarial. Yet they only are looking at suicide.
"We have given them evidence from the minute we heard our son (hanged), that he could have been murdered. We've given them computer forensic evidence, we've given them physical evidence and we are very, very disappointed."
Earlier, on Wednesday morning, a computer forensics expert testified that the integrity of a laptop belonging to Dr Todd was not compromised.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Kristen Soong, who is from the Technology Crime Division, said that analysis had been done on Dr Todd's laptop to check that no viruses or malicious software had been installed.
Her report was produced by the state's lawyers after lawyers for the Todd family asked if it was possible for someone to access a laptop from a remote location and upload documents on it.
"Suicide notes" - allegedly written by Dr Todd - were found on his laptop when police officers accessed it.
The Todd family's lawyers had asked police officers on Tuesday if it was possible the suicide notes were written by someone else.
ASP Soong said checks had been done for viruses, and on the operating system and user account.
She noted that there were no traces of failed log-ins, and that if the laptop had been accessed from a remote location, traces of malicious software would have been detected.
"The laptop wasn't compromised in any way through hacking or remote access. If so, there would have been traces," she told the court.
Mr Peter Ong, one of the lawyers acting for the Todd family, produced a log from StarHub which appeared to reflect outgoing data activity from his mobile phone between 25 and 29 June 2012 - after Dr Todd died.
The state's lawyers then said they would call a StarHub witness to the stand to explain the details on the log.
They said that questions on why there was activity on Dr Todd's phone after he died should be directed to the investigating officer when he takes the stand.
Meanwhile the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) has responded to the Todd family's claim that the inquiry has so far focused on suicide and not homicide.
In a statement on Wednesday, the AGC said lawyers for the Todd family have yet to state their position on the matter, even though state counsel has asked them several times.
The state has also submitted all reports from the family to the court, and notes that although the family's lawyers have raised hypothetical possibilities as to what happened, no other evidence has been provided.
The AGC added that the state still welcomes information from the family regarding evidence they wish to challenge so that it can be looked into at the inquiry.
The state notes that it is prepared to provide funding for foreign witnesses that the family wish to call on to give evidence.
A pathologist consulted by the family will be giving evidence through video-link, and a computer forensic analyst, also consulted by the Todds, is expected to give evidence in court.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 15 May 2013 5:15 PM
UPDATED: 15 May 2013 10:51 PM
On the third day of the coroner's inquiry into the death of American researcher Shane Todd, the court was given an explanation on how he was found hanged with his feet on the floor.
SINGAPORE: The coroner's court was given an explanation on how American researcher Shane Todd was found hanged with his feet on the floor.
This came on the third day of the coroner's inquiry into Dr Todd's death.
Ms Lim Chin-Chin of the Health Sciences Authority's Forensic Science Division gave an account of the simulation experiments that were conducted based on evidence at the death scene.
One of the simulations involved testing the stretching and relaxing of a strap when subjected to a load similar in weight to Dr Todd's body.
The strap was a replica of the one from which Dr Todd was hanged.
Ms Lim revealed that for someone of Dr Todd's height - which is 183cm - there would still be a gap of between 6.5 cm and 11.2cm if the strap did not stretch.
But when subjected to a weight of 89kg - which is Dr Todd's weight - the strap would stretch sufficiently for Dr Todd's feet to have touched the floor.
Another simulation experiment also looked at whether it was possible for Dr Todd to secure the noose around his neck and put it over the top end of the door without any assistance.
The simulation experiments also sought to demonstrate that it was possible for Dr Todd to use his feet to kick a chair that had been found about 1.5 metres from where he was hanged.
Dr Todd's parents were clearly upset after hearing Ms Lim's evidence. As the family's lawyer was about to begin his cross-examination, Dr Todd's mother interrupted to ask if the hearing could be adjourned till Thursday as she felt like she was about to throw up.
Rick Todd, father of Dr Todd, said: "The evidence that has been presented, we can't rely on. It's been moved, it hasn't been preserved. We're trying to get to the bottom of it, I don't know if we will get to the bottom of it."
Dr Todd's mother, Mary Todd, added: "We came to Singapore to find out the truth and we were told the defence and our team would work as a team to find the truth. They're not adversarial. Yet they only are looking at suicide.
"We have given them evidence from the minute we heard our son (hanged), that he could have been murdered. We've given them computer forensic evidence, we've given them physical evidence and we are very, very disappointed."
Earlier, on Wednesday morning, a computer forensics expert testified that the integrity of a laptop belonging to Dr Todd was not compromised.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Kristen Soong, who is from the Technology Crime Division, said that analysis had been done on Dr Todd's laptop to check that no viruses or malicious software had been installed.
Her report was produced by the state's lawyers after lawyers for the Todd family asked if it was possible for someone to access a laptop from a remote location and upload documents on it.
"Suicide notes" - allegedly written by Dr Todd - were found on his laptop when police officers accessed it.
The Todd family's lawyers had asked police officers on Tuesday if it was possible the suicide notes were written by someone else.
ASP Soong said checks had been done for viruses, and on the operating system and user account.
She noted that there were no traces of failed log-ins, and that if the laptop had been accessed from a remote location, traces of malicious software would have been detected.
"The laptop wasn't compromised in any way through hacking or remote access. If so, there would have been traces," she told the court.
Mr Peter Ong, one of the lawyers acting for the Todd family, produced a log from StarHub which appeared to reflect outgoing data activity from his mobile phone between 25 and 29 June 2012 - after Dr Todd died.
The state's lawyers then said they would call a StarHub witness to the stand to explain the details on the log.
They said that questions on why there was activity on Dr Todd's phone after he died should be directed to the investigating officer when he takes the stand.
Meanwhile the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) has responded to the Todd family's claim that the inquiry has so far focused on suicide and not homicide.
In a statement on Wednesday, the AGC said lawyers for the Todd family have yet to state their position on the matter, even though state counsel has asked them several times.
The state has also submitted all reports from the family to the court, and notes that although the family's lawyers have raised hypothetical possibilities as to what happened, no other evidence has been provided.
The AGC added that the state still welcomes information from the family regarding evidence they wish to challenge so that it can be looked into at the inquiry.
The state notes that it is prepared to provide funding for foreign witnesses that the family wish to call on to give evidence.
A pathologist consulted by the family will be giving evidence through video-link, and a computer forensic analyst, also consulted by the Todds, is expected to give evidence in court.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Investigator accessed Shane Todd's hard drive: computer forensics expert
Investigator accessed Shane Todd's hard drive: computer forensics expert
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 14 May 2013 11:00 PM
An investigating officer from the Singapore Police Force was the one who accessed a hard disk drive belonging to American researcher Shane Todd after he was found hanged in his apartment, the coroner's court heard on Tuesday.
SINGAPORE: An investigating officer from the Singapore Police Force was the one who accessed a hard disk drive belonging to American researcher Shane Todd after he was found hanged in his apartment.
Details of this were given by a computer forensics expert on Tuesday -- the second day of a coroner's inquiry into Dr Todd's death.
The 31-year-old was found hanged in his Singapore apartment in June last year in an apparent suicide.
The hard disk drive has been central to claims by Dr Todd's parents that their son did not take his own life.
The parents believe Dr Todd was murdered over his work for Singapore's Institute of Microelectronics.
A hard disk drive containing work files that were accessed three days after his body was found has been central to this claim.
The coroner's court heard that the files were accessed by the investigating officer in Singapore before he returned it to Dr Todd's parents.
The officer had done so to check for any suspicious information but had returned it when he found none.
Computer forensics expert Kristen Soong, who examined the disk drive, said it was last connected to the officer's computer.
She testified that when the officer opened one particular file, a temporary file was created.
This was deleted when he closed the original file.
Her findings were supported by a report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which also examined the hard drive.
In court on Tuesday, lawyers for the Todd family also put forward several hypotheses that attempted to show that the 31-year-old did not take his own life.
Police officers had said they saw no signs of forced entry into the apartment, ransacking or foul play.
But the Todd family lawyers asked if it was possible Dr Todd died elsewhere and his body was moved back to his apartment, since no blood stains were found; whether the furniture in the apartment could have been moved back to its original position to give an impression that there was no struggle; and whether the suicide notes allegedly left by him could have been written by someone else. This was because the spelling of the word "Keyes" in reference to a place in Florida was spelt incorrectly in the note.
The raising of these possibilities led to a robust exchange between lawyers for the State and the Todd family. Three times, the State's lawyers asked if these possibilities were allegations or statements of fact.
The State's lawyers also asked if the evidence laid out in court was being challenged, but the Todd family's lawyers said they were not taking a position on the matter and were only enquiring about possibilities.
A handwriting expert and DNA analyst from the Health Sciences Authority also took the stand on Tuesday.
It was revealed that the handwriting on Post-It notes found in Dr Todd's bedroom matched his writings in his notebook.
One of the Post-It notes had a password written on it. When officers used the password to access Dr Todd's computer, they found the suicide notes.
It was also revealed that four unknown DNA imprints were found on the towel and strap which were wrapped around Dr Todd's neck.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 14 May 2013 11:00 PM
An investigating officer from the Singapore Police Force was the one who accessed a hard disk drive belonging to American researcher Shane Todd after he was found hanged in his apartment, the coroner's court heard on Tuesday.
SINGAPORE: An investigating officer from the Singapore Police Force was the one who accessed a hard disk drive belonging to American researcher Shane Todd after he was found hanged in his apartment.
Details of this were given by a computer forensics expert on Tuesday -- the second day of a coroner's inquiry into Dr Todd's death.
The 31-year-old was found hanged in his Singapore apartment in June last year in an apparent suicide.
The hard disk drive has been central to claims by Dr Todd's parents that their son did not take his own life.
The parents believe Dr Todd was murdered over his work for Singapore's Institute of Microelectronics.
A hard disk drive containing work files that were accessed three days after his body was found has been central to this claim.
The coroner's court heard that the files were accessed by the investigating officer in Singapore before he returned it to Dr Todd's parents.
The officer had done so to check for any suspicious information but had returned it when he found none.
Computer forensics expert Kristen Soong, who examined the disk drive, said it was last connected to the officer's computer.
She testified that when the officer opened one particular file, a temporary file was created.
This was deleted when he closed the original file.
Her findings were supported by a report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which also examined the hard drive.
In court on Tuesday, lawyers for the Todd family also put forward several hypotheses that attempted to show that the 31-year-old did not take his own life.
Police officers had said they saw no signs of forced entry into the apartment, ransacking or foul play.
But the Todd family lawyers asked if it was possible Dr Todd died elsewhere and his body was moved back to his apartment, since no blood stains were found; whether the furniture in the apartment could have been moved back to its original position to give an impression that there was no struggle; and whether the suicide notes allegedly left by him could have been written by someone else. This was because the spelling of the word "Keyes" in reference to a place in Florida was spelt incorrectly in the note.
The raising of these possibilities led to a robust exchange between lawyers for the State and the Todd family. Three times, the State's lawyers asked if these possibilities were allegations or statements of fact.
The State's lawyers also asked if the evidence laid out in court was being challenged, but the Todd family's lawyers said they were not taking a position on the matter and were only enquiring about possibilities.
A handwriting expert and DNA analyst from the Health Sciences Authority also took the stand on Tuesday.
It was revealed that the handwriting on Post-It notes found in Dr Todd's bedroom matched his writings in his notebook.
One of the Post-It notes had a password written on it. When officers used the password to access Dr Todd's computer, they found the suicide notes.
It was also revealed that four unknown DNA imprints were found on the towel and strap which were wrapped around Dr Todd's neck.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
FT article on Shane Todd is "inaccurate" and "mischievous": Police
FT article on Shane Todd is "inaccurate" and "mischievous": Police
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 11 May 2013 10:05 PM
Singapore police have labelled a recent Financial Times report on American engineer Dr Shane Todd as "inaccurate", "mischievous" and "calculated to interfere with the administration of justice in Singapore".
SINGAPORE: Singapore police have labelled a recent Financial Times report on American engineer Dr Shane Todd as "inaccurate", "mischievous" and "calculated to interfere with the administration of justice in Singapore".
The article, dated May 10 and titled "Singapore inquiry prepares to open into Shane Todd's death", reported that the police gave Dr Todd's parents different versions of how he died.
Police said the paper made no attempts to confirm this with them and that the article "grossly misrepresented" its position because alleged statements exchanged between Dr Todd's parents and the police about the death were presented as facts.
According to the article, the police had told Mr and Mrs Todd that their son had drilled holes in the bathroom wall, affixed bolts and wrapped the strap through a pulley over the door.
Police said this is "highly inappropriate" and whether such statements were actually made is to be determined by the State Coroner.
More than 60 witnesses have been lined up for the Coroner's Inquiry into the death of Dr Shane Todd. However, only half that number are likely to take the stand, with the rest providing recorded statements.
His friends will be among the first on the stand when the inquiry begins on Monday. Other witnesses include the pathologist, police officers, and his parents.
Tai Wei Shyong, the senior state counsel for Dr Todd's inquiry, said: "First of all, most important is the cause of death -- the report of the forensic pathologist, what medically caused the death.
"Secondly, it is necessary to try to piece together the life of the deceased person before he died -- what was he going through, were there any events affecting him. Thirdly, were there any indications of wrong-doing or foul play. These are generic areas every coroner's case has to deal with and that's also going to be the case in this particular instance."
The 31-year-old American was found hanged in his apartment in Chinatown. His parents believe he was murdered over research he had done while working for Singapore's Institute of Microelectronics.
During the inquiry, which is public and open, they will have the chance to raise concerns relating to the case.
Mr Tai added: "The role of the state counsel is essentially to place all of the relevant evidence before the coroner so that he can make the best possible finding as to the cause of death. Our job is to make sure everything he needs to make a decision is placed before him in an orderly and structured manner.
"Because it's an inquisitorial process and not an adversarial one, we've been working quite closely with the counsel appointed by next-of-kin, Shane's parents, that any relevant evidence that they want to place before the court will be put forward."
The inquiry will stretch till end-May. After that, the state coroner will review the evidence, and independently determine the cause of Dr Todd's death.
The coroner's findings are not subject to appeal. However, the public prosecutor may direct the coroner to reopen the inquiry if it appears further investigations are necessary.
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 11 May 2013 10:05 PM
Singapore police have labelled a recent Financial Times report on American engineer Dr Shane Todd as "inaccurate", "mischievous" and "calculated to interfere with the administration of justice in Singapore".
SINGAPORE: Singapore police have labelled a recent Financial Times report on American engineer Dr Shane Todd as "inaccurate", "mischievous" and "calculated to interfere with the administration of justice in Singapore".
The article, dated May 10 and titled "Singapore inquiry prepares to open into Shane Todd's death", reported that the police gave Dr Todd's parents different versions of how he died.
Police said the paper made no attempts to confirm this with them and that the article "grossly misrepresented" its position because alleged statements exchanged between Dr Todd's parents and the police about the death were presented as facts.
According to the article, the police had told Mr and Mrs Todd that their son had drilled holes in the bathroom wall, affixed bolts and wrapped the strap through a pulley over the door.
Police said this is "highly inappropriate" and whether such statements were actually made is to be determined by the State Coroner.
More than 60 witnesses have been lined up for the Coroner's Inquiry into the death of Dr Shane Todd. However, only half that number are likely to take the stand, with the rest providing recorded statements.
His friends will be among the first on the stand when the inquiry begins on Monday. Other witnesses include the pathologist, police officers, and his parents.
Tai Wei Shyong, the senior state counsel for Dr Todd's inquiry, said: "First of all, most important is the cause of death -- the report of the forensic pathologist, what medically caused the death.
"Secondly, it is necessary to try to piece together the life of the deceased person before he died -- what was he going through, were there any events affecting him. Thirdly, were there any indications of wrong-doing or foul play. These are generic areas every coroner's case has to deal with and that's also going to be the case in this particular instance."
The 31-year-old American was found hanged in his apartment in Chinatown. His parents believe he was murdered over research he had done while working for Singapore's Institute of Microelectronics.
During the inquiry, which is public and open, they will have the chance to raise concerns relating to the case.
Mr Tai added: "The role of the state counsel is essentially to place all of the relevant evidence before the coroner so that he can make the best possible finding as to the cause of death. Our job is to make sure everything he needs to make a decision is placed before him in an orderly and structured manner.
"Because it's an inquisitorial process and not an adversarial one, we've been working quite closely with the counsel appointed by next-of-kin, Shane's parents, that any relevant evidence that they want to place before the court will be put forward."
The inquiry will stretch till end-May. After that, the state coroner will review the evidence, and independently determine the cause of Dr Todd's death.
The coroner's findings are not subject to appeal. However, the public prosecutor may direct the coroner to reopen the inquiry if it appears further investigations are necessary.
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
Shane Todd's laptop showed access to suicide, depression-related websites
Shane Todd's laptop showed access to suicide, depression-related websites
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 13 May 2013 9:58 PM
Internet history on American researcher Shane Todd's laptop showed that he had run searches on suicide and depression-related websites in the days before he died. This was revealed on the first day of a coroner's inquiry into his death.
SINGAPORE: Internet history on American researcher Shane Todd's laptop showed that he had run searches on suicide and depression-related websites in the days before he died. This was revealed on the first day of a coroner's inquiry into his death.
Dr Todd's body was found hanging from a black strap in front of a closed toilet door in his bedroom. According to the police, the strap had a plastic buckle attached to it which acted as a stopper -- securing it against the top end of the toilet door.
Internet history on his laptop revealed that he had accessed suicide-related websites 19 times between March and June 2012. The last one was accessed only the day before his body was found hanged in his apartment.
According to patterns of Internet activity, Dr Todd had searched different methods of committing suicide. Depression-related webpages were also accessed -- mostly in May 2012.
Senior State Counsel Tai Wei Shyong gave these details in an opening statement to the court.
Dr Todd's parents, who have flown here for the inquiry, believe their son was murdered over research he had done while working for the Singapore Institute of Microelectronics.
However, there were notes, believed to be written by Dr Todd, found on his laptop. The notes were found after the investigation officer accessed his laptop using a password written on a post-it pad.
They were for his family, girlfriend, and friends. He said he loved them and asked their forgiveness for the pain he caused them.
Dr Todd's girlfriend and friends took the stand on Monday to describe his state of mind in the months before he died. Calling him a perfectionist, they said he was unhappy and stressed about his work. They also said he had lost weight and a twitching in his hands had become more pronounced in the months leading up to his death.
Dr Todd's girlfriend Shirley Sarmiento said he told her he had suffered from depression since October 2011. He also told her he was unhappy after transferring to another department, and working on a project that he felt could get him into trouble with the American government.
The court heard earlier that Dr Todd had seen a psychiatrist while in Singapore and been prescribed anti-depressant pills.
Officers and paramedics who were first at the scene said there were no signs of forced entry or foul play when they entered Dr Todd's apartment.
However, the counsel for the Todd family questioned if it was right for them to cut the rope holding up Dr Todd's body before the forensics team arrived, saying that that could have changed material evidence at the scene.
The court however heard that it was standard procedure to bring down a body found hanging as the priority was to "save lives". The first-responders also said they remembered seeing Dr Todd's feet on the floor when they entered the room, but could not be sure if his legs were bearing his weight.
The Todd family also said they appreciated the help they had received for the inquiry.
Rick Todd, the father of Dr Todd, said: "We really appreciate the process going on here. It's a slow process so we really appreciate the way Singapore conducts its court system."
Earlier, he and his wife thanked the Singapore government for allowing them to be part of the inquest.
The inquiry continues.
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 13 May 2013 9:58 PM
Internet history on American researcher Shane Todd's laptop showed that he had run searches on suicide and depression-related websites in the days before he died. This was revealed on the first day of a coroner's inquiry into his death.
SINGAPORE: Internet history on American researcher Shane Todd's laptop showed that he had run searches on suicide and depression-related websites in the days before he died. This was revealed on the first day of a coroner's inquiry into his death.
Dr Todd's body was found hanging from a black strap in front of a closed toilet door in his bedroom. According to the police, the strap had a plastic buckle attached to it which acted as a stopper -- securing it against the top end of the toilet door.
Internet history on his laptop revealed that he had accessed suicide-related websites 19 times between March and June 2012. The last one was accessed only the day before his body was found hanged in his apartment.
According to patterns of Internet activity, Dr Todd had searched different methods of committing suicide. Depression-related webpages were also accessed -- mostly in May 2012.
Senior State Counsel Tai Wei Shyong gave these details in an opening statement to the court.
Dr Todd's parents, who have flown here for the inquiry, believe their son was murdered over research he had done while working for the Singapore Institute of Microelectronics.
However, there were notes, believed to be written by Dr Todd, found on his laptop. The notes were found after the investigation officer accessed his laptop using a password written on a post-it pad.
They were for his family, girlfriend, and friends. He said he loved them and asked their forgiveness for the pain he caused them.
Dr Todd's girlfriend and friends took the stand on Monday to describe his state of mind in the months before he died. Calling him a perfectionist, they said he was unhappy and stressed about his work. They also said he had lost weight and a twitching in his hands had become more pronounced in the months leading up to his death.
Dr Todd's girlfriend Shirley Sarmiento said he told her he had suffered from depression since October 2011. He also told her he was unhappy after transferring to another department, and working on a project that he felt could get him into trouble with the American government.
The court heard earlier that Dr Todd had seen a psychiatrist while in Singapore and been prescribed anti-depressant pills.
Officers and paramedics who were first at the scene said there were no signs of forced entry or foul play when they entered Dr Todd's apartment.
However, the counsel for the Todd family questioned if it was right for them to cut the rope holding up Dr Todd's body before the forensics team arrived, saying that that could have changed material evidence at the scene.
The court however heard that it was standard procedure to bring down a body found hanging as the priority was to "save lives". The first-responders also said they remembered seeing Dr Todd's feet on the floor when they entered the room, but could not be sure if his legs were bearing his weight.
The Todd family also said they appreciated the help they had received for the inquiry.
Rick Todd, the father of Dr Todd, said: "We really appreciate the process going on here. It's a slow process so we really appreciate the way Singapore conducts its court system."
Earlier, he and his wife thanked the Singapore government for allowing them to be part of the inquest.
The inquiry continues.
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
Coroner's Inquiry into American engineer's death to begin May 13
Coroner's Inquiry into American engineer's death to begin May 13
POSTED: 08 May 2013 10:30 PM
Dr Shane Todd, 31, was found hanged in his Chinatown apartment last June in an apparent suicide. His parents arrived in Singapore on Monday to prepare for the inquiry.
SINGAPORE: A Coroner's Inquiry into the death of an American engineer will begin at the Subordinate Courts on Monday.
Dr Shane Todd, 31, was found hanged in his Chinatown apartment last June in an apparent suicide.
His parents arrived in Singapore on Monday to prepare for the inquiry - which is slated to run till the end of the month.
For Mary Todd and her husband Rick, many questions remain unanswered about their son's death.
"Well, first of all, we want to recognise how Shane died, the police have never gotten off the idea of suicide," said Rick Todd.
"We have been coping well under the circumstances but it's the most incredulous, most horrendous situation any parent could go through," said Mary Todd.
Dr Todd's parents believe he was murdered over research he had done while working for Singapore's Institute of Microelectronics.
The Todd family have also raised doubts about the way investigations were carried out.
At the Coroner's Inquiry, the Todd family can question investigation findings, as well as forensic and medical reports.
After that, the State Coroner will review the evidence and independently determine the cause of Dr Todd's death.
Some 50 witnesses are expected to take the stand, and the family will be represented by a team of five lawyers led by Gloria James-Civetta.
When contacted, the Police reiterated their previous statements on the matter, that they are committed to ensuring investigations into Dr Todd's death are thorough... and that all evidence relevant to the case is made available at the inquiry.
The Attorney-General's Chambers told MediaCorp that a Coroner's Inquiry is a fact-finding process, solely dedicated to determining the cause of and circumstances surrounding a death.
"The Attorney-General's Chambers expressed our condolences to the family of Dr Todd for their loss. The Coroner's Inquiry is a fact-finding process, solely dedicated to determining the cause of and circumstances surrounding Dr Todd's death. During the inquiry, which will be public and open, Dr Todd's family will have the opportunity to raise concerns relating to the case. AGC is currently working with the legal counsel appointed by Dr Todd's family to ensure that all evidence relating to the case is presented to the Coroner in order for him to make a proper determination."
Dr Todd's parents have made the long trip to Singapore three times in less than a year. The first - to collect their son's body, the second - to meet with officials, and now on this third trip, they hope to get the answers that they've been looking for.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 08 May 2013 10:30 PM
Dr Shane Todd, 31, was found hanged in his Chinatown apartment last June in an apparent suicide. His parents arrived in Singapore on Monday to prepare for the inquiry.
SINGAPORE: A Coroner's Inquiry into the death of an American engineer will begin at the Subordinate Courts on Monday.
Dr Shane Todd, 31, was found hanged in his Chinatown apartment last June in an apparent suicide.
His parents arrived in Singapore on Monday to prepare for the inquiry - which is slated to run till the end of the month.
For Mary Todd and her husband Rick, many questions remain unanswered about their son's death.
"Well, first of all, we want to recognise how Shane died, the police have never gotten off the idea of suicide," said Rick Todd.
"We have been coping well under the circumstances but it's the most incredulous, most horrendous situation any parent could go through," said Mary Todd.
Dr Todd's parents believe he was murdered over research he had done while working for Singapore's Institute of Microelectronics.
The Todd family have also raised doubts about the way investigations were carried out.
At the Coroner's Inquiry, the Todd family can question investigation findings, as well as forensic and medical reports.
After that, the State Coroner will review the evidence and independently determine the cause of Dr Todd's death.
Some 50 witnesses are expected to take the stand, and the family will be represented by a team of five lawyers led by Gloria James-Civetta.
When contacted, the Police reiterated their previous statements on the matter, that they are committed to ensuring investigations into Dr Todd's death are thorough... and that all evidence relevant to the case is made available at the inquiry.
The Attorney-General's Chambers told MediaCorp that a Coroner's Inquiry is a fact-finding process, solely dedicated to determining the cause of and circumstances surrounding a death.
"The Attorney-General's Chambers expressed our condolences to the family of Dr Todd for their loss. The Coroner's Inquiry is a fact-finding process, solely dedicated to determining the cause of and circumstances surrounding Dr Todd's death. During the inquiry, which will be public and open, Dr Todd's family will have the opportunity to raise concerns relating to the case. AGC is currently working with the legal counsel appointed by Dr Todd's family to ensure that all evidence relating to the case is presented to the Coroner in order for him to make a proper determination."
Dr Todd's parents have made the long trip to Singapore three times in less than a year. The first - to collect their son's body, the second - to meet with officials, and now on this third trip, they hope to get the answers that they've been looking for.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Royal Bank of Scotland axes 1,400 more jobs
Royal Bank of Scotland axes 1,400 more jobs
POSTED: 16 May 2013 8:05 PM
State-rescued Royal Bank of Scotland axed 1,400 more positions on Thursday, taking the total number of job losses close to 40,000 since its vast state bailout at the height of the global financial crisis.
LONDON: State-rescued Royal Bank of Scotland axed 1,400 more positions on Thursday, taking the total number of job losses close to 40,000 since its vast state bailout at the height of the global financial crisis.
"RBS has announced plans to restructure its retail head office functions in the UK. The changes will result in 1,400 job losses over the next two years," said in a statement.
A company spokesman told AFP that the latest round of losses took the total job cuts to 38,900 over the past five years, as the bank has sought to transform its fortunes.
He added that following the latest losses, RBS would employ 120,000 staff worldwide.
Unite, Britain's biggest union, attacked the latest cuts as "brutal and irresponsible" behaviour.
However, RBS insisted that the move was aimed at improving customer service.
"To serve our customers well we have to ensure that our resources are focused on the things that matter most to them," said Ross McEwan, head of UK Retail.
"Regrettably, we can only do that by restructuring the way we work in head office so that every effort is concentrated on supporting our customers and the frontline staff that serve them."
The British government owns 81 per cent of RBS after the bank was bailed out in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis with 45.5-billion pounds of taxpayers' cash, making it the world's biggest banking bailout.
The lender was ravaged by its badly-timed consortium takeover of Dutch bank ABN Amro at the top of the market in 2007, just before the crisis struck.
RBS said earlier this month that it planned a return to the private sector next year following the massive restructuring programme.
The Edinburgh-based bank hopes to begin offloading the government's stake from the middle of next year or possibly earlier.
The lender had also revealed that it swung back into profit in the first quarter with net earnings of 393-million pounds (US$610 million, 467 million euros) on a drop in bad loan provisions and after a hefty loss a year earlier.
Its profit after tax for the January-March period compared with a net loss of 1.545-billion pounds in the first quarter of 2012.
- AFP/fl
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 16 May 2013 8:05 PM
State-rescued Royal Bank of Scotland axed 1,400 more positions on Thursday, taking the total number of job losses close to 40,000 since its vast state bailout at the height of the global financial crisis.
LONDON: State-rescued Royal Bank of Scotland axed 1,400 more positions on Thursday, taking the total number of job losses close to 40,000 since its vast state bailout at the height of the global financial crisis.
"RBS has announced plans to restructure its retail head office functions in the UK. The changes will result in 1,400 job losses over the next two years," said in a statement.
A company spokesman told AFP that the latest round of losses took the total job cuts to 38,900 over the past five years, as the bank has sought to transform its fortunes.
He added that following the latest losses, RBS would employ 120,000 staff worldwide.
Unite, Britain's biggest union, attacked the latest cuts as "brutal and irresponsible" behaviour.
However, RBS insisted that the move was aimed at improving customer service.
"To serve our customers well we have to ensure that our resources are focused on the things that matter most to them," said Ross McEwan, head of UK Retail.
"Regrettably, we can only do that by restructuring the way we work in head office so that every effort is concentrated on supporting our customers and the frontline staff that serve them."
The British government owns 81 per cent of RBS after the bank was bailed out in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis with 45.5-billion pounds of taxpayers' cash, making it the world's biggest banking bailout.
The lender was ravaged by its badly-timed consortium takeover of Dutch bank ABN Amro at the top of the market in 2007, just before the crisis struck.
RBS said earlier this month that it planned a return to the private sector next year following the massive restructuring programme.
The Edinburgh-based bank hopes to begin offloading the government's stake from the middle of next year or possibly earlier.
The lender had also revealed that it swung back into profit in the first quarter with net earnings of 393-million pounds (US$610 million, 467 million euros) on a drop in bad loan provisions and after a hefty loss a year earlier.
Its profit after tax for the January-March period compared with a net loss of 1.545-billion pounds in the first quarter of 2012.
- AFP/fl
- wong chee tat :)
More gantries on AYE by mid-2014
More gantries on AYE by mid-2014
By Hetty Musfirah Abdul Khamid
POSTED: 16 May 2013 11:12 AM
To further ease traffic congestion, the Ayer Rajah Expressway will have four more ERP gantries come mid-2014.
SINGAPORE: To further ease traffic congestion, the Ayer Rajah Expressway will have four more ERP gantries come mid-2014.
Three new gantries towards the city between Jurong Town Hall Road and Clementi Road will be operational during the morning and evening peak hours on weekdays.
The first gantry will be located just before Clementi Avenue 6 exit, while the other two gantries will be located at the slip roads into AYE from Clementi Avenue 6 and Clementi Avenue 2.
The fourth gantry located just before the Clementi Road exit towards Tuas (between North Buona Vista and Clementi Road) will be operational only during the weekday evening peak hours.
The Land Transport Authority said over the past one and a half years, traffic speeds at both locations have dipped, going as low as 35 kilometres per hour.
This is below the optimal speed range of 45 to 65 kilometres per hour for expressways.
Traffic conditions along the corridor are also expected to worsen when traffic demand goes up with future developments such as the Jurong Gateway.
Construction of the ERP gantries will start in the later part of this year.
LTA said it will announce the operating hours and charges closer to the implementation of the gantries.
LTA said motorists who wish to avoid paying the ERP charges can make use of alternative routes including the West Coast Highway and Commonwealth Avenue-Tiong Bahru Road corridor.
Public transport alternatives in the west will also be ramped up for motorist who wants to make the switch.
From the third quarter of 2013, commuters in Jurong West will have a City Direct bus service during peak hours.
LTA is also looking at having a similar service from Clementi.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
By Hetty Musfirah Abdul Khamid
POSTED: 16 May 2013 11:12 AM
To further ease traffic congestion, the Ayer Rajah Expressway will have four more ERP gantries come mid-2014.
SINGAPORE: To further ease traffic congestion, the Ayer Rajah Expressway will have four more ERP gantries come mid-2014.
Three new gantries towards the city between Jurong Town Hall Road and Clementi Road will be operational during the morning and evening peak hours on weekdays.
The first gantry will be located just before Clementi Avenue 6 exit, while the other two gantries will be located at the slip roads into AYE from Clementi Avenue 6 and Clementi Avenue 2.
The fourth gantry located just before the Clementi Road exit towards Tuas (between North Buona Vista and Clementi Road) will be operational only during the weekday evening peak hours.
The Land Transport Authority said over the past one and a half years, traffic speeds at both locations have dipped, going as low as 35 kilometres per hour.
This is below the optimal speed range of 45 to 65 kilometres per hour for expressways.
Traffic conditions along the corridor are also expected to worsen when traffic demand goes up with future developments such as the Jurong Gateway.
Construction of the ERP gantries will start in the later part of this year.
LTA said it will announce the operating hours and charges closer to the implementation of the gantries.
LTA said motorists who wish to avoid paying the ERP charges can make use of alternative routes including the West Coast Highway and Commonwealth Avenue-Tiong Bahru Road corridor.
Public transport alternatives in the west will also be ramped up for motorist who wants to make the switch.
From the third quarter of 2013, commuters in Jurong West will have a City Direct bus service during peak hours.
LTA is also looking at having a similar service from Clementi.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
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