SINGAPORE — The police are investigating a 51-year-old woman for alleged contempt of court during the trial of Benjamin Glynn, 40, who broke Covid-19 regulations by not wearing a mask on an MRT train and outside the State Courts.

In response to TODAY’s queries, the police said on Thursday (Aug 19) that they are acting on an order from the Attorney-General’s Chambers, which authorised them to carry out the investigation. They did not name the woman.

On Wednesday, she “allegedly interrupted court proceedings”, they said. Glynn, who is British, was defending himself at the hearing and was later sentenced to six weeks' jail. He is soon to be deported to England.

The woman’s nationality was not made known but The Straits Times reported on Wednesday that she is Singaporean. 

The police also did not confirm if she has been arrested and only stated that investigations are ongoing. 

During the trial, District Judge Eddy Tham told the woman to leave the courtroom because she was not wearing a mask.

The woman refused and was heard saying that her mask was broken and that she was a “living, breathing person” and could not be told what to do.

She was also heard telling District Judge Tham that she did not respect him and that he was presiding over a “kangaroo court”, a term that refers to an unofficial court where people are found guilty of offences especially without sound evidence. 

When a court officer told her to calm down and persuaded her gently to leave the courtroom, she refused and was heard saying: “This is not about (wearing a) mask. This is about control... (If the mask) is mandatory, you need my consent. Don’t provoke me.”  

The State Courts said in a statement to the media on Thursday that trials and hearings, which are held in open court, are open to the public.  

“However, those attending must at all times observe court etiquette and decorum. They must act appropriately, show the court proper respect and comply with the judge’s directions.”

Those who misbehave, disrupt court proceedings or fail to heed a judge’s directions or court rules may be told to leave the courtroom. They may also be reported to the police, it added.    

Anyone found guilty of contempt of court within the State Courts is liable to be punished with a fine of up to S$20,000 or a jail term of up to a year, or both. ​