Over 8 months' jail for man who drove dangerously to evade arrest

An unlicensed driver who drove against the flow of traffic and beat four red lights in Bukit Panjang as he tried to evade arrest has been sentenced to eight months and two weeks' jail.

- Selina Lum Senior Law Correspondent

Ho Whai Keet, 46, was also handed an eight-year driving ban on Nov 5 by a district judge, who said the overall sentence was “necessary to achieve the goal of deterrence”.

In his written judgment, District Judge Koo Zhi Xuan said: “Those who drive dangerously to evade arrest, risking the safety of motorists, pedestrians and police officers, must be severely dealt with.”

On the night of Feb 15, Ho sped off after defying a police officer's order to stop on the BKE, and violated various traffic rules before he hit a centre divider in Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4.

Ho pleaded guilty on Sept 18 to four charges, one each for driving without a licence, driving without insurance coverage, failing to stop when ordered by a police officer to do so, and dangerous driving.

Judge Koo's judgment focused on the individual sentence for the dangerous driving offence.

As a repeat offender, Ho could have been sentenced to a fine of up to $10,000, or up to two years' jail, or both.

Judge Koo said that at the hearing on Sept 18, he questioned the initial sentencing submissions by the prosecution, which had suggested four to six weeks' jail for the charge.

The judge said he “could not comprehend” how such a low sentence could possibly be justified.