In a distressing incident on December 28, 2022, a mechanic, Koh Tee Huat, found himself at the center of legal proceedings after being involved in a car collision under the influence of alcohol. The accident resulted in injuries to a couple and their 11-month-old daughter, according to The Straits Times.
Koh Tee Huat, 52, pleaded guilty on 5 December to drink driving and causing harm to his victims, receiving a 12-week jail sentence and a four-year driving ban upon his release.
The collision occurred when Koh Tee Huat, after consuming alcohol, failed to yield and crashed into a car while making a discretionary right turn on a green light signal along Yio Chu Kang Road.
The impact injured a couple and their 11-month-old daughter. The baby, despite having no external injuries, was admitted to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital for observation in a surgical ward. Fortunately, she was found to be stable and was discharged shortly after.
Legal Proceedings and Guilty Plea
The court documents revealed that he had consumed a can of beer in his office in Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park 2 at around 3 pm on the day of the incident. The mechanic continued working until 9 pm before deciding to drive to his girlfriend’s Punggol home.
While driving towards a junction on Yio Chu Kang Road, Koh Tee Huat failed to give way during a discretionary right turn, resulting in a collision with another vehicle.
A Traffic Police officer, responding to the scene, detected a strong smell of alcohol on Koh Tee Huat. Subsequent breathalyser tests revealed he had 77 micrograms of alcohol in 100 milliliters of breath, more than double the legal limit of 35 micrograms.
Sentencing and Legal Consequences
In response to the charges, Koh Tee Huat received a 12-week jail sentence and a four-year disqualification from holding or obtaining any classes of driving licenses upon his release. The severity of the sentence reflects the potential consequences of driving under the influence, especially when it leads to injuries.
Koh Tee Huat’s defense lawyer, Foo Ho Chew, pleaded for a milder sentence, suggesting one month in jail and a minimum driving disqualification period.
The lawyer highlighted Koh’s role as the primary breadwinner, earning $5,000 monthly to support his family, including his elderly mother who is bedridden.
Koh Tee Huat was granted bail of $15,000 and is expected to surrender himself at the State Courts on December 12 to begin his jail term.