Updated: 01/13/2014 21:17 | By Channel NewsAsia
Former cabby fined, disqualified over fatal accident
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SINGAPORE: A former cabby was on Monday fined S$5,000 and disqualified from driving for five years following an accident that left a motorcyclist dead.
52-year-old Chan Koh Wah pleaded guilty to causing death by a negligent act.
The court heard that in August 2013, Chan failed to give way at a signalised cross junction while negotiating a right turn from Gambas Avenue into Woodlands Avenue 12.
At the time, the traffic lights had turned green but the green right-turning arrow had not flashed.
Chan then collided into a motorcycle that was approaching from the opposite direction.
The motorcyclist was flung across the front bonnet of the taxi and fell on the road.
56-year-old Choo Ah Kow later died of his injuries in hospital.
The court also heard that at the time of the incident, the weather was fine, the road surface was dry, and visibility was clear.
In mitigation, Chan's lawyer Johnny Seah urged the court to be lenient as Chan is his family's sole breadwinner, and that it was his first offence.
Mr Seah added that Chan was remorseful about what he had done and that it was "unintended".
Chan is now working as a security guard.
He could have been jailed up to two years and fined. - CNA/gn
