Lorry driver gets fine, driving ban for death of motorcyclist

A LORRY driver who failed to give way to a motorcyclist and thus caused his death was fined $8,500 and banned from driving for five years yesterday.

Indian national Paramasivam Bharathi, 46, had failed to give way to Malaysian crane operator Lim Shung Ren, 28, while making a right turn from Sungei Kadut Street 2, a minor road, into Sungei Kadut Street 1 on June 27 last year.

He encroached into the path of Mr Lim, who crashed into the lorry. Mr Lim died of his injuries nine days later in hospital.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Terence Szetoh Khai Hoe said Bharathi had stopped at the junction but failed to keep a proper lookout for traffic along Sungei Kadut Street 1. Mr Lim's pillion rider, Ms Lai Li Theng, 25, was warded for a day and given medical leave until Sept 17.

District Judge Janet Wang said Bharathi's lawyer had pointed out that his client had been commended for his good driving record. She took into account his plea of guilt at the outset, and that there was a second charge of causing grievous hurt to the pillion taken into consideration.

The maximum penalty for causing death through a negligent act is two years' jail and a fine.

This article was first published on Jan 21, 2015.
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