Reported by Today Online, 8 January 2020
A 52-year-old man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to 1 count under section 304A(a) of the Penal Code (Cap 224), which is causing death by a rash act.
The incident, which resulted in the death of a 33-year-old motorcyclist, took place on 24 October 2018 at or about 9:00 pm, along Old Choa Chu Kang Road junction, Track 14. The Accused was driving his motor car and was initially stopped on the extreme left lane of the 3-lane carriageway. Footage from the Accused’s car showed that the road was dry and visibility was clear. It also showed there were few vehicles around that night. The Accused pulled out with the intention to make a right turn. He checked his rear mirrors and, believing there to be no oncoming vehicles around, he crossed the 3 lanes to the right-most lane.
However, he failed to check his blind spot and, in an instant, missed the Deceased, who was travelling along the centre lane on his motorcycle at a speed of roughly between 65km/h to 107km/h. The Accused collided with the Deceased’s motorcycle and the Deceased was flung onto the Accused’s car’s front bonnet.
The Deceased was conveyed to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 11:09 pm.
The Deputy Public Prosecutor, Koh Mun Keong, recommended an imprisonment term of no less than 8 months, and a driving disqualification period of 10 years. The Accused was represented by Ms Beverly Lim, who submitted for a 6-month imprisonment term based on the Accused’s moderate culpability. She cited several mitigating factors including the Accused’s remorse, early plea of guilt, cooperation with the authorities and the fact that he was not intoxicated or speeding at the time of the incident.
SENTENCE:
The Accused was sentenced to 6 months in prison and is disqualified from driving for 8 years. He could have faced a term of up to 5 years in prison and a fine, or both.