Muhammad Asri Taufik Mohamed Ali was sentenced to 12 weeks’ imprisonment and a three-year driving ban after pleading guilty to causing the death of his infant daughter in a tragic accident in Woodlands in 2023.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CASE :
- Muhammad Asri Taufik, a repeat offender with no valid driving licence, caused the death of his 2-year-old daughter by driving recklessly in a rented van.
- He was sentenced to 12 weeks’ jail and banned from driving for three years, with the court emphasizing the recklessness and tragic consequences of his actions.
- The incident occurred while he was on the run for a previous conviction, highlighting ongoing issues with illegal driving and negligence.
DETAILS OF THE INCIDENT
On March 13, 2023, Muhammad Asri Taufik, who was delivering parcels with his wife, Fairuzana Mohd Yusoff, in a rented van, caused a fatal accident that resulted in the death of their two-year-old daughter.
While attempting to make additional deliveries, Muhammad Asri Taufik asked to drive the company’s van despite knowing he lacked a valid driving licence. His wife, aware of his licence status but allowing him to drive, went on foot pushing their daughter in a stroller.
Footage from a nearby vehicle showed Muhammad Asri Taufik driving the van and making contact with his wife and daughter. He drove too close to the roadside, hitting the stroller and subsequently running over his daughter when she fell out. He also rolled over his wife’s right foot.
The child’s mother, overwhelmed with grief, cried hysterically at the scene, but despite efforts to revive her, the girl was pronounced dead at the hospital due to multiple injuries consistent with a vehicle collision.
LEGAL BACKGROUND
According to Channel News Asia, Muhammad Asri Taufik had a prior conviction in August 2021 for driving without a licence, making him a repeat offender. He had also been sentenced in December 2021 to 12 months’ jail and caning for unlicensed moneylending but did not surrender himself to serve this sentence after furnishing a medical certificate, leading to a warrant of arrest.
He faced multiple charges related to this incident, including driving without a licence and insurance, as well as causing injury and death by his driving.
Two additional charges, concerning causing his daughter’s death and injuring his wife, were taken into consideration during sentencing.
COURT PROCEEDINGS AND SENTENCING
Deputy Public Prosecutor Ng Jun Chong emphasized the recklessness of Muhammad Asri Taufik, noting he was on the run for a previous offence at the time of the incident.
The prosecutor requested a sentence of 12 to 20 weeks’ jail and a three-year disqualification from holding any driving licence, reflecting the gravity of the tragedy.
Muhammad Asri Taufik, unrepresented, expressed remorse and invoked his ongoing grief and his role as the sole breadwinner.
According to CNA, he asked the court to consider that this case was two years old, but emphasized that “this case keeps on passing and passing and passing and passing while I was serving (the) sentence” for the other offense.
“One more thing, my wife and I are still grieving, and we have received our punishment in this world,” he continued.
“Why ‘shoot’ me now? Why didn’t… two years ago, when I was inside the prison serving my last sentence?” he questioned regarding the penalties for this case. He also mentioned that he had been waiting for the investigation officer to meet with him in jail and request his statement, but there was “nothing until I was released.”
“My wife and I are still grieving, still mourning the loss of our daughter,” he added.
“We know. I admit. It’s my mistake.”
He requested a lighter sentence, stating that he and his wife are still mourning their daughter and that he was waiting for police officers to meet him in jail for his statement.
The court acknowledged his remorse and the tragic circumstances.
LEGAL PENALTIES
Under the law, driving without a licence as a repeat offender can result in up to six years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to S$20,000, or both.
The court sentenced Muhammad Asri Taufik to 12 weeks in jail and banned him from driving for three years.
Fairuzana Mohd Yusoff, the mother, faces a pending criminal case under the Road Traffic Act related to this incident. The van involved was found to be in good condition with no mechanical failure contributing to the accident.
Image via SGRV/Facebook
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