Singapore – A 43-year-old Australian woman, Dianna Ong, has been sentenced to five months and six weeks in jail for vandalizing a Salvation Army facility on Christmas Day in 2025. The sentencing, delivered on Monday, March 9, follows Ong’s guilty plea to one charge of vandalism, with three additional charges considered during sentencing, according to reports from Channel NewsAsia.
The incident occurred at Praisehaven – The Salvation Army in Upper Bukit Timah. Around 6:35 am on December 25, 2025, Ong spray-painted offensive words in red paint on the walls and three vans belonging to the Christian charity. The act of vandalism took place just hours before a scheduled Christmas Day service at the location, as noted by The Straits Times.
Details of the Crime and Arrest
Following the vandalism, Ong reportedly uploaded photographs and videos of the graffiti to her social media accounts, making the images publicly visible. A team leader arriving to prepare for the 10 am Christmas service discovered the damage and alerted the security manager, who subsequently contacted the police. Officers from the Jurong Police Division quickly identified Ong through footage from police cameras and arrested her within five hours of the initial report, as detailed in Stomp. She was initially charged in court on December 27, 2025, and remanded at the Institute of Mental Health for psychiatric evaluation.
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
The court heard that Ong pleaded guilty to one count of vandalism. Under Singaporean law, vandalism can carry a fine of up to $2,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years, along with the possibility of between three and eight strokes of the cane. However, women are exempt from caning under the law. The judge ultimately sentenced Ong to five months and six weeks in jail, taking into account the severity of the offense and her guilty plea. Singapore Forever reports that this sentence reflects the court’s stance on such acts of vandalism.
Police statements at the time of the incident emphasized that acts of vandalism are taken “very seriously” and that offenders would be “dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.” The initial police investigation involved the seizure of a can of red spray paint found at the premises, which was presented as evidence in court.
Impact and Future Considerations
The Salvation Army’s Praisehaven facility provides vital services to the community, including a thrift store. The vandalism caused disruption and required resources for cleanup and repair. The incident prompted a strong response from authorities and underscored the importance of protecting religious and charitable institutions from such acts.
As Ong begins her sentence, the case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences associated with vandalism and the commitment of Singaporean law enforcement to address such offenses. Further developments regarding this case are not currently available, but the outcome highlights the judiciary’s response to acts targeting community organizations.
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