4 weeks' jail for causing death by a negligent act

A motorist who drank some wine at a birthday party before causing a fatal crash at a signalised cross junction was jailed for four weeks yesterday.

Ng Cheng Guan, 56, whose breath alcohol level was found to be within the prescribed limit, was also banned from driving for five years.

Ng, who is self-employed and in the construction business, admitted to causing the death of motorcyclist Lionel Kiew Hern Kit, a 24-year- old safety officer, on Nov 20 last year.

Ng was making a right turn from Jalan Bukit Merah into Henderson Road sometime before 11.12pm when he failed to keep a proper lookout for other vehicles or give them the right of way.

The court heard that he had at least two half-glasses of red wine earlier at a friend's birthday party and was taking his 42-year-old girlfriend home in his Mazda car when the accident happened.

Ng made the right turn without a green right-turning arrow. He encroached into Mr Kiew's path, resulting in the motorcycle hitting the left rear portion of the car.

Mr Kiew suffered multiple injuries and died about four hours later in hospital.

Ng's lawyer, Mr Louis Joseph, said in mitigation that his client was not speeding, driving dangerously or sleepy. He had also rendered help to the victim.

He said Ng was very sorry for the family of Mr Kiew and has been psychologically traumatised by the events and still has sleepless nights.

Ng has traffic-related convictions for speeding, inconsiderate driving while carrying a mobile phone and failing to conform to red lights.

He could have been jailed for up to two years and/or fined for causing death by a negligent act.

ELENA CHONG

This article was first published on October 28, 2014.
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