7 other escape attempts in the past

Since 1989, there have been seven reported attempts by detainees to break out of the Subordinate Courts. All escapees were later apprehended.

# Sept 20, 2007

Names: Mohammad Noorhairy Khairuddin (right), 26, and Rizuwan Roslan, 23

What happened: They slipped away from their guard at the Court 26 dock when he was busy. They later squeezed into a narrow ventilation fan room, but injured themselves when they jumped out of the room and were caught.

# June 8, 2005

Name: Thangevelu Velu, 36

What happened: Bolted from an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority van near the entrance of the underground carpark. He was caught a day later at a Bedok South flat.

# Feb 6, 2003

Name: Muhammad Yusri Hanapi, 20

What happened: He distracted a police officer by asking what time it was while another officer was looking for a switch in a holding room for detainees. He managed to free himself from his handcuffs and ran out. He was caught at his parents' home in Pasir Ris hours later.

# Oct 23, 2000

Name: Oh Chee Kiong, 27

What happened: He was in the holding room when he asked to go to the toilet. He later realised the holding room was empty and walked out and ran up the stairs through a passage. He was nabbed three days later at a house in Upper Serangoon Road.

# April 20, 2000

Name: Chang Kwee, 42

What happened: He escaped from the bail centre when he learnt his supposed bailor could not raise the $6,000 amount. He was re-arrested a few days later.

# Feb 6, 1998

Names: Ong Guek Hong, 35, Lim Hang Liang, 38, and Wong Kwong Weng, 21

What happened: They tried to escape a fifth-floor courtroom after their cases had been dealt with. They were re-arrested outside the courtroom.

# July 24, 1993

Name: Kannan Karunanantham, 22

What happened: He escaped from the lock-up while being taken to the dock in Court 26. He was re-arrested at the old Satay Club near the Padang about a month later.