A British writer who wrote a book on the death penalty in Singapore was today found guilty by the High Court for discrediting the city-state’s judiciary.

Alan Shadrake, 76, who wrote "Once a Jolly Hangman: Singapore Justice in the Dock", was found to be contempt of court for statements in his books that questioned the impartiality of the judiciary.

High Court judge Quentin Loh, however, postponed the sentencing on Shadrake to the next hearing scheduled for Nov 9.

The court heard that statements in the book implied that Singapore courts succumbed to foreign political and economic pressure, favoured the rich and well-connected, and were being used by the government to suppress dissent.

The Malaysia-based author, who is now out on bail, was detained after he launched the book in Singapore in July.

Shadrake faces a possible jail term of several months or a fine, or both.

The writer was represented by lawyer M Ravi while seputy senior state counsel Hema Subramaniam appeared for the prosecution.

- Bernama