Basnayake Keith Spencer, 38, was sentenced on August 21, 2026, to four years and three months in jail and nine strokes of the cane for stabbing Father Christopher Lee Kwong Heng during a children’s mass at St Joseph’s Church in November 2024 [1, 2, 3].

The attack happened on November 9, 2024, around 6:15 to 6:30 pm during communion at an evening mass attended by about 900 people [1, 2, 3]. Basnayake used a 23cm foldable knife with a 10cm partially serrated blade to stab Father Lee in the mouth with multiple wounds, including an 8cm laceration on the tongue, a 3cm cut on the upper left lip, a 4cm cut on the corner of the mouth, and a stab wound to the floor of the mouth [1, 2, 3].

Father Lee, aged 57 or 59 depending on the source, underwent surgery and extensive post-operative care including speech therapy, and was discharged from hospital six days later. He took 40 days of hospital leave due to the injuries sustained [1, 2, 3].

Police found Basnayake in possession of several weapons besides the foldable knife used in the assault. These included a butterfly knife, a penknife, a fishing gaff, and a mallet [1, 2, 3]. Before the attack, Basnayake took five nitrazepam tablets, reportedly to stay focused and calm after realizing it was a children’s mass [1, 2, 3].

Basnayake pleaded guilty to voluntarily causing grievous hurt with a dangerous weapon and possession of weapons. He was denied bail in December 2024 and had been remanded in custody for over one year and nine months prior to sentencing [1, 2].

Deputy Public Prosecutor Xu Si Jia described the stabbing as "a brazen and wholly unprovoked attack on a defenceless victim. The attack struck at the heart of the sensibilities of the public. Deterrence is needed to discourage any like-minded individuals and quell the public disquiet arising from the crime" [3].

Basnayake appeared in court via video link wearing white and staring blankly as the charges were read out [1, 2].

The verdict closes a protracted legal process stemming from the attack at St Joseph’s Church during a crowded mass in November 2024.