Jail, caning for teen motorcyclist linked to LTA officer's fatal crash

Youth rode in a dangerous manner to evade officer who ordered him to stop

- Christine Tan

A 19-year-old who was in a motorcycle chase that killed a Land Transport Authority (LTA) officer has been sentenced to two years and three months' jail, and six strokes of the cane. He was also disqualified from holding or obtaining all classes of driving licences for five years after his release.

Handing down the sentence on Jan 23, Deputy Principal District Judge Kessler Soh said that given the teen's numerous and serious offences, probation – which would usually apply to youth offenders – was not appropriate in this case. The youth, who is in remand and joined court proceedings via video-link, remained silent as his sentence was read.

The sentence was for six charges he admitted to on Jan 10, including riding a motorcycle in a dangerous manner and drug consumption. Seven other charges were taken into consideration for his sentencing.

Specifically, the teen was sentenced to seven months' jail for the offence involving the LTA officer. He cannot be named as he was 17 years old when he consumed methamphetamine. Those below 18 are protected under the Children and Young Persons Act.