Updated: 01/27/2014 13:32 | By Channel NewsAsia
Driver jailed 2 weeks for accident which killed two boys
SINGAPORE: The cement truck driver who failed to keep a proper lookout and knocked into and killed two brothers, has been sentenced to two weeks' jail and banned from driving for five years.
Munir Mohd Naim, 57, on Monday pleaded guilty to a charge of negligent act that does not amount to culpable homicide.
The accident happened on January 28 last year at about 5.43pm at the junction of Tampines Avenue 9 and Tampines Street 45.
At that time, Munir was driving the cement mixer and while turning left, failed to keep a proper lookout and drove into cyclist 13-year-old Nigel Yap and his seven-year-old brother, Donavan Yap, who was the pillion rider.
The boys died in the accident.
The prosecution urged the court to impose a two-week jail term and to disqualify Munir from driving for five years as the accused was "grossly negligent".
It added that Munir did not stop before making the left turn and that the green man signal was on, which meant the brothers had the right of way.
The defence argued that Munir, a divorcee, is "sincerely contrite" and has accepted responsibility for his actions.
The court heard that Munir was on his knees and crying when he found out the boys were dead.
The defence noted that the accident occurred in the school zone at a pedestrian crossing.
It added that this case serves as a cautionary tale -- that cyclists should get off their bicycles at pedestrian crossings and that greater awareness is needed.
In sentencing, District Judge Tan Boon Heng stressed that motorists, especially those driving heavy vehicles, must exercise greater care.
The accident in question, he said, took place in a school zone where the driver was to keep an extra lookout.
The maximum penalty for negligent act is a two-year jail term and a fine. - CNA/nd
