Ex-football star to be caned in Singapore for overstaying his visa

Earlier this year, Swiss computer worker Oliver Fricker was also caned three times after he was convicted of breaking into a train depot and spray painting subway carriages.

People who are caned are strapped to a wooden frame and lashed across the bare buttocks with a long rattan stick.

Charlton, who was a reserve tight end for Florida State between 1992 and 1996, overstayed his visa by 169 days, according to his lawyer.

His excuse was that he was given bad advice about his visa situation from a man he met on the street.

He owns a construction company in the Bahamas but went with his wife to seek medical treatment in Singapore after she suffered two miscarriages and was pregnant a third time.

No mercy: Michael Fay was the last American to be lashed in Singapore after committing vandalism in 1994 (file photo)

Mrs Charlton was allowed to fly back to the Bahamas after paying a fine, but her husband has been detained since September 1.

The U.S. Embassy said it is monitoring the case.

‘Embassy officials have provided consular assistance to this individual, including five visits by consular officers,’ said a spokesman.

‘We remind U.S. citizens that foreigners in any country are subject to the laws of that country. We respect Singapore's right to try and sentence individuals within due process of law,’ he added.

The Southeast Asian country boasts one of the lowest violent crime rates and highest standards of living in the world, but human rights groups often criticize the govement for severe punishments, such as a mandatory death penalty for drug traffickers. 

Singapore also reiterated a ban on the sale of chewing gum and announced a crackdown on littering this year.  

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