Motorist who caused fatal accident jailed for four weeks and banned from driving

Ng Cheng Guan was jailed for four weeks yesterday for causing a fatal accident at a signalised cross junction around Jalan Bukit Merah. In addition, The Straits Times reported that Ng was also banned from driving for five years, although his breath alcohol level was found to be within the permitted limit.

Ng, admitted to causing the death of motorcyclist Lionel Kiew Hern Kit, a 24-year old safety officer, on November 20^th last year. Ng was making a right turn from Jalan Bukit Merah into Henderson Road near 11:12pm when he failed to keep a proper lookout for other vehicles or give them the right of way. Ng made the right turn without a green right-turning arrow and crossed into Mr. Kiew's path, resulting in the motorcycle hitting the left rear portion of Ng's Mazda. Mr. Kiew suffered multiple injuries and died around four hours later in hospital.

The English daily additionally reported that Ng had at least two half-glasses of red wine earlier at a friend's birthday party and was ferrying his girlfriend home in his car when the accident occurred.

Ng's lawyer, Mr. Louis Joseph, defended that his client was not speeding, driving dangerously or sleepy and also revealed that Ng rendered help to the victim. Mr. Louis also added that Ng was very sorry for the family of Mr. Kiew and has been psychologically traumatised by the events and still suffers from sleepless nights.

Ng's brush with traffic-related law include offences for speeding, inconsiderate driving while carrying a mobile phone and failing to conform to red lights. For his actions, Ng could have been jailed for up to two years and/or fined for causing death by a negligent act.