In a harrowing sequence of events, 27-year-old Tan Chin Lee’s night took a dark turn after consuming two glasses of whisky with friends. He was charged in court for a number of offences including dangerous driving against traffic to an assault on a security guard, and was sentenced on 12 December to 4 weeks imprisonment, according to TODAY.
The Fateful Night Unfolds
On May 31 last year, Tan met friends at Pekin Street near Chinatown, where he consumed two glasses of whisky. Subsequently, he embarked on a journey that would lead to dire consequences.
After leaving the restaurant, Tan drove against the flow of traffic on Crawford Street towards Republic Avenue. This dangerous act lasted approximately 25 seconds, during which he passed oncoming vehicles. A subsequent right turn onto Kallang Road resulted in a head-on collision with motorcyclist Mr Zahirudin Masri.
Tan, realizing his error, attempted to dissuade witnesses from contacting the police or ambulance. However, a witness insisted on calling for help and Tan then got back in his car and drove away from the scene, u-turning against the flow of traffic again and beating a red light.
Mr Zahirudin, though fortunate to survive, suffered injuries to his lower back, forehead, right knee, and left foot after being taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
3 hours later, Tan surrendered himself to the police and passed a breathalyser test, tellin the police that he was simply “tired’ from driving the whole day.
Assault on a Security Officer
On May 7 this year, Tan’s penchant for violence surfaced again. While attempting to enter City Square Residences condominium, accompanied by friend Ng Eng Kiong and resident Xu Yan, Tan was informed their car couldn’t enter due to a missing resident’s pass.
Frustrated by the refusal, Ng parked the car by the road, and an altercation ensued between him, Tan, and security officer Mr Suraskumar Murugaya. Both assailants physically assaulted Mr Suraskumar, with Ng punching the victim repeatedly before Tan joined in the assault, causing injuries to his forehead and upper and lower back.
They only stopped attacking the guard after another guard stepped in to separate the two men from the victim.
Legal Consequences
On Tuesday, December 12, Tan was sentenced to four weeks in jail for dangerous driving and causing hurt to a security officer.
Additionally, he received a two-year disqualification from holding or obtaining any class of driving licenses. Two other related traffic offenses were also considered during sentencing.