A 37-year-old man has been charged with voluntarily causing grievous hurt by a dangerous weapon following an alleged attack on a Catholic priest at St. Joseph’s Church in Bukit Timah, Singapore.
According to The Straits Times, Basnayake Keith Spencer appeared in court via video link, where the prosecution requested that he undergo a psychiatric evaluation at Changi Prison Complex Medical Centre.
Basnayake, who was unrepresented in court, is accused of stabbing Father Christopher Lee in the mouth with a foldable knife while the priest was distributing communion. The attack resulted in deep cuts to Father Lee’s tongue, upper lip, and the corner of his mouth.
Witnesses at the church restrained Basnayake until the police arrived. Officers later discovered five weapons in his possession, including the foldable knife used in the assault.
Basnayake’s next court appearance is scheduled for December. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment or up to 15 years in prison, along with possible caning and/or a fine.
The Singapore Home Ministry confirmed that Basnayake, a Singaporean of Sinhalese descent who identified as a Christian, had a criminal history involving serious hurt and drug-related offenses. The ministry clarified that the attack was not motivated by religious beliefs or terrorism and that Basnayake acted alone.
While Basnayake had been seen at St. Joseph’s Church before, parishioners noted that he was not a regular attendee.
A video circulating online after the attack on November 9 shows a bald man in a bloodied white T-shirt being escorted away from the church by authorities. The Straits Times identified the man as Basnayake. He had previously been convicted in 2019 for causing harm with a dangerous weapon after stabbing his ex-girlfriend during a drug-fueled incident at a party.
Following the incident, the church increased security measures for the Nov. 10 morning mass, with members of the parish emergency task force patrolling the premises and conducting bag checks. During the mass, parishioners were updated on Father Lee’s condition. The church confirmed that the priest’s surgery was successful and that he is now recovering.