64 y.o Tan Hwee Koon was charged in court today (17 Jan) for his involvement in an accident last year which injured three people.
On 12 March 2021, he had allegedly reversed into a coffeeshop in Tuas by stepping on his accelerator when the gear was on reverse mode.
For his actions, he was given a charge of causing grievous hurt by negligent act and also causing hurt by negligent act.
Eyewitnesses account
According to eyewitnesses, the coffeeshop was crowded with people at the time of the accident as it was lunchtime.
The eyewitness added that the van which Tan was driving had entered the premises of the coffeeshop by about five metres.
A brick divider was smashed and a vendor was pinned down by the vehicle.
The eyewitness and another customer were subsequently taken away by ambulance to Ng Teng Fong Hospital, both conscious at the time.
Court documents revealed that Tan had stepped on the accelerator when he was inside the parking lot which caused the vehicle to reverse into the premises.
Victims & injuries
- Chu Lai Kiew – ankle and calf fractures, 31 days MC.
- Low Mun Wai – right open radius shaft fracture, 81 days MC.
- She Weijin – hip bruise, seven days MC
Penalties
Tan has intended to plead guilty and will return to court on 10 March for sentencing.
He is currently out on $5,000 bail.
If guilty of committing a negligent act causing grievous hurt, he could be jailed for up to two years and/or fined up to $5,000
If guilty of causing hurt by a negligent act, he can be jailed for up to six months and/or fined up to $2,500.
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