Two men arrested after trespassing into F1 Singapore Grand Prix event area

SINGAPORE – Two men were arrested on Oct 9 after they were caught trespassing into the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix event area.

In a statement on Oct 10, the police said they received a report at around 3pm that day that a man had been detained by staff members within the event area along Republic Boulevard.

Preliminary investigations found that at around 1.45pm, the two men had attempted to enter an F1 Singapore Grand Prix event area along Temasek Avenue without valid tickets.

At the entrance, one of the men, aged 35, was denied entry after his ticket was found to be invalid.

The other man, aged 39, managed to enter the event area despite holding onto an invalid ticket, said the police.

The 39-year-old later gained unauthorised access to a restricted area meant for staff members and performing artistes.

He was then located and detained within the event area by staff members, and arrested by the police at scene.

Meanwhile, the 35-year-old man was arrested by the police along Temasek Boulevard.

Both men are known to each other, said the police.

The 39-year-old man will be charged in court on Oct 10 with two counts of criminal trespass. If found guilty, he could be jailed up to three months, fined of up to $1,500, or both.

Investigations against the 35-year-old man are ongoing.

The police said they take a serious view of unauthorised entry into restricted areas at major events, as such acts may compromise the safety and security of the event.

They added that members of the public should comply with all access control measures by event organisers and only enter areas for which they have valid authorisation.

Offenders will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law, added the police.

The Singapore Grand Prix will take place from Oct 9 to 11 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

Rhea Yasmine is a journalist at The Straits Times. She covers local and international issues, with an interest in South-east Asia.