Negligent driver who caused death gets jail instead of fine
Published on May 20, 2014 8:25 AM
By Selina Lum
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A special court of three judges, led by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, yesterday overthrew a longstanding sentencing practice of the courts to typically impose fines, rather than jail, for causing death by negligent driving.
Though cases rarely draw prison time, the CJ said judges should no longer operate on the premise that a fine is the default sentence.
"It is important to signal to other drivers that they must be mindful of the terrible risks they take upon themselves and other road users when they drive when not fit to do so," said CJ Menon.
The court will issue detailed written grounds at a later date.
Get the full story from The Straits Times.
