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July 30, 2009
Jail, ban for Penang Rd crash
By Elena Chong
Wong Heng Chiang, (left), pleaded guilty to three charges - drink driving, dangerous driving and grievously hurting a 67-year-old woman by doing a rash act. -- ST PHOTO: WONG KWAI CHOW
A MAN who crashed his car into the Penang Road bus stop and injured six commuters was sentenced to 15 months' jail and banned from driving for 10 years on Thursday.
Wong Heng Chiang, 30, unemployed, pleaded guilty last week to three charges - drink driving, dangerous driving and grievously hurting a 67-year-old woman by doing a rash act.
Five other charges of hurting the victims aged between 17 and 58 were considered during his sentencing.
The former logistics sales executive initially claimed trial to eight charges and went through four days of trial last year.
He changed his plea after the prosecution had given an expert witness's forensic report to his lawyers.
The expert was of the view that the May 1, 2007 crash at the bus stop was due to Wong's inability to control his car which resulted in excessive oversteering and directional control loss.
Wong had taken about three glassese before the accident, the court heard.
The expert also said that Wong's likely speed then was 100 to 110kmh. His minimum speed was 85 to 95kmh, which was above the 50kmh-limit.
The court heard that he was speeding along Penang Road when he hit the right kerb, causing his car to careen left across the width of the road, mount the pavement and plough into the bus stop. He hit a metal bus notice board, two stone seats and four commuters.
In her judgment, District Judge Jill Tan said the sentence imposed on Wong should not only punish him for his irresponsible actions but must also serve to deter others from drink driving and speeding.
She said Madam Tan Hong Eng, now 68, had her quality of life gravely and irreversibly affected. The other three also had serious injuries.
'As commuters waiting innocently at a bus stop, they truly were blameless victims who have had to suffer the harsh consequences of one man's ill-considered actions,'' she said.
Wong's lawyer, Mr Subhas Anandan, said the defence may appeal.
July 30, 2009
Jail, ban for Penang Rd crash
By Elena Chong
Wong Heng Chiang, (left), pleaded guilty to three charges - drink driving, dangerous driving and grievously hurting a 67-year-old woman by doing a rash act. -- ST PHOTO: WONG KWAI CHOW
A MAN who crashed his car into the Penang Road bus stop and injured six commuters was sentenced to 15 months' jail and banned from driving for 10 years on Thursday.
Wong Heng Chiang, 30, unemployed, pleaded guilty last week to three charges - drink driving, dangerous driving and grievously hurting a 67-year-old woman by doing a rash act.
Five other charges of hurting the victims aged between 17 and 58 were considered during his sentencing.
The former logistics sales executive initially claimed trial to eight charges and went through four days of trial last year.
He changed his plea after the prosecution had given an expert witness's forensic report to his lawyers.
The expert was of the view that the May 1, 2007 crash at the bus stop was due to Wong's inability to control his car which resulted in excessive oversteering and directional control loss.
Wong had taken about three glassese before the accident, the court heard.
The expert also said that Wong's likely speed then was 100 to 110kmh. His minimum speed was 85 to 95kmh, which was above the 50kmh-limit.
The court heard that he was speeding along Penang Road when he hit the right kerb, causing his car to careen left across the width of the road, mount the pavement and plough into the bus stop. He hit a metal bus notice board, two stone seats and four commuters.
In her judgment, District Judge Jill Tan said the sentence imposed on Wong should not only punish him for his irresponsible actions but must also serve to deter others from drink driving and speeding.
She said Madam Tan Hong Eng, now 68, had her quality of life gravely and irreversibly affected. The other three also had serious injuries.
'As commuters waiting innocently at a bus stop, they truly were blameless victims who have had to suffer the harsh consequences of one man's ill-considered actions,'' she said.
Wong's lawyer, Mr Subhas Anandan, said the defence may appeal.
