A 36-year-old man was sentenced to 12 weeks in jail after driving a delivery van without a valid licence and fatally running over his two-year-old daughter in a Woodlands car park.
The tragic incident occurred on March 13, 2023, at the car park near Block 326 Woodlands Street 32. The man was driving a van rented by his wife, who, along with their children, was assisting with parcel deliveries in the area.
Fatal Accident in Woodlands
On the day of the incident, the man’s wife planned to walk to Block 326 to deliver parcels, pushing their daughter in a stroller. The man, who had never held a Class 3 driving licence, asked to take over the van to finish the remaining deliveries before lunch. His wife agreed.
At approximately 2:42 pm, while driving past his wife, who was walking beside the road, he did not maintain a safe distance and accidentally struck the stroller. The stroller toppled, and the man’s van ran over their daughter and his wife’s foot.
Despite frantic efforts from the parents and passersby, the two-year-old girl was rushed to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital but was pronounced dead later that afternoon due to severe injuries sustained in the collision, reported Lianhe Zaobao.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
The man was arrested the same day and was found to have previously absconded from a 12-month jail sentence for unlicensed moneylending. He pleaded guilty to driving without a licence and without motor insurance, with additional charges of driving without due care taken into consideration during sentencing.
The prosecution highlighted the recklessness of driving so close to his family, which led to devastating consequences. They requested a jail term between 12 to 20 weeks and a three-year driving ban.
In court, the man expressed remorse and said he and his wife were still grieving their loss. He is the sole breadwinner and cares for their son and a six-month-old baby. The judge sentenced him to 12 weeks’ imprisonment and disqualified him from driving for three years.
Aftermath
Following the sentencing, the man bid farewell to his sons before being taken into custody. The case serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers of driving without a licence and the tragic consequences that can arise from careless actions, especially involving vulnerable family members.
Image Source: Lianhe Zaobao