Boy, 16, charged with taking bus for a joyride

The boy who allegedly stole a private bus and took it on a joyride on Sunday. He was tracked down and caught at Bukit Batok. PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS / Straits Times/ANN

SINGAPORE — A boy appeared in court on Tuesday to face charges for allegedly stealing a bus and taking it on a joyride around Singapore.

The 16-year-old boy, who is hearing impaired, was charged with stealing the 45-seater from a Woodlands Industrial Park, driving under the age of 18 and driving without insurance.

He indicated through a sign language interpreter that he wished to plead guilty to the charges.

The teenager was arrested on Sunday afternoon after the 45-seater bus, worth about $20,000, for a joyride.

The prosecution told the court that more charges may be brought against him.

Bail of $15,000 was offered, on the condition that he remains indoors from 10pm to 6am.

The case will be mentioned again on April 7.

The maximum penalty for vehicle theft is seven years’ jail, a fine and driving ban.

The punishment for underage driving and driving without insurance is a fine of up to $1,000 or up to three months’ jail each.