A former national basketball player, Toh Qing Huang, 29, has been sentenced to five days in jail and fined $5,000 after causing an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol.
This ruling comes despite pleas from his lawyer, who urged the court to consider Toh’s extensive service to the nation as a representative athlete.
Toh pled guilty on July 23 to one count of drink driving and one count of driving without due care and attention, according to ST report.
Representing Singapore during the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, Toh is now also disqualified from holding or obtaining any driving license for 36 months from the date of his release.
WHAT HAPPENED :
The incident occurred in the early hours of November 30, 2023, after Toh had been drinking at a bar located in Hotel Chancellor on Cavenagh Road. According to court documents, he consumed six alcoholic beverages before stopping at around 3am to grab a late-night meal.
Approximately one hour later, Toh attempted to drive home to Toh Yi Drive in Bukit Timah.
While navigating a cross junction at Orchard Boulevard, Toh made a sharp right turn, leading his vehicle to veer across two lanes and mount the centre divider, ultimately colliding with a directional sign.
Officers arriving on the scene reported that Toh exhibited a strong odor of alcohol; a subsequent breathalyzer test revealed he had 69 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, nearly double the legal limit of 35 micrograms, the report added.
Toh later paid $290 to the Land Transport Authority for the repair of the damaged sign.
The police prosecutor advocated for a fine of $5,000 and a jail term of one to two weeks, emphasizing the potential dangers of driving under such impaired conditions.
The prosecutor highlighted the gravity of Toh’s actions, noting that his intended route spanned approximately 11 kilometers.
In his defense, Toh’s lawyer, Desmond Tan of Lee & Lee, argued for a fine rather than imprisonment, pointing out that no injuries resulted from the accident and that Toh was not speeding or driving erratically.
“Role model and inspiration for aspiring athletes”
Mr. Tan also requested that the court take into account Toh’s significant contributions to Singaporean sports over the past 15 years, citing testimonials from Basketball Association of Singapore (BAS) chief executive officer Leon Neo, who called Toh a “role model and inspiration” for aspiring athletes.
However, District Judge Shawn Ho was unyielding in his decision.
He acknowledged Toh’s early plea of guilt, expressed remorse, and cooperation with the authorities but noted the severity of Toh’s actions due to the elevated alcohol level, warranting jail time for driving without due care and attention.
When asked by Straits Times, Mr. Neo stated that Toh does not currently have an agreement with the association, therefore no disciplinary action has been taken.
Regarding Toh’s future in representing Singapore, Neo mentioned that the draft for the 2024 national team has not been finalized, leaving Toh’s selection uncertain.
Image via International Basketball Federation (FIBA)
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