A 60-year-old Singaporean man pleaded guilty to charges of mischief on Wednesday after he stuck toothpicks in bus seats four times between July and August.
Lim Lye Seng, a landscape technician by profession, committed the offense on the 123M bus provided by SBS Transit, The Straits Times reported.
On August 4, Lim boarded a 123M bus after finishing breakfast at a coffee shop, from which he had obtained three toothpicks, near Tiong Bahru Mass Rapid Transit station.
At around 6:20am, he pierced the seat next to him with the three toothpicks, causing damage worth S$325.91 (US$240). Fortunately, no commuters were reported to have been injured.
The court learned that Lim had stuck toothpicks in bus seats on three separate occasions in July as well, saying he did it out of pure boredom and considered it a prank.
Lim admitted guilt for his wrongdoings and pleaded for leniency, telling the judge that he was the father of two children and had to support his elderly parents.
Sentencing has been scheduled for November 6.
According to Singapore law, those convicted of mischief may be jailed for up to one year and fined for each count.