A 19-year-old youth has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison, along with six strokes of the cane, following a dangerous motorcycle chase that resulted in the death of a Land Transport Authority (LTA) officer.
The sentencing took place on January 23,the teen was also disqualified from holding or obtaining any classes of driving licences for five years upon his release.
DETAILS OF THE CASE : “I gambled my life as much as he gambled his…”
The teen, who appeared via video link from remand, maintained silence as the sentence was delivered. He had previously admitted to six charges on January 10, including riding a motorcycle in a dangerous manner and drug consumption, with seven additional charges considered during sentencing.
The court heard that the youth was sentenced to seven months’ imprisonment specifically for the incident involving the LTA officer, 26-year-old Zdulfika Ahakasah.
On June 4, 2024, the teen was riding a motorcycle along the Seletar Expressway when he refused to stop for Mr. Zdulfika, who had signaled him to do so. Knowing he was wanted by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) for a prior drug offense, the teen accelerated and veered into the path of an oil tanker, ultimately causing Mr. Zdulfika to crash into a road divider. The officer later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Thaddeus Tan highlighted the teen’s blatant disregard for Mr. Zdulfika’s safety, noting that even after witnessing the crash, he failed to stop or look back.
The prosecution described the teen’s actions as indicative of a clear lack of remorse.
“When he was first brought to court, he was given the chance to publicly express his thoughts over what had happened. Instead, he took the opportunity to deflect blame,” the prosecutor added according to ST report.
In his first appearance on June 6, 2024 at the court when questioned if he had anything to say, the teenager stated, “I gambled my life as much as he gambled his. So the death … I may be one of the contributing factors to the death, but I am not to be blamed”
In response, defense attorney Foo Ho Chew expressed that his client wished to apologize for his earlier remarks, acknowledging their insensitivity.
“He would like to say sorry to the family of the deceased, and he acknowledges that it was insensitive at that time. If there was a way, he would like to retract the statement,” said Mr Foo.
“He was only 18 then and was severely lacking in maturity. He did not have the state of mind to sense how wrong he was.” Mr. Foo stated according to the report.
The teen’s pattern of criminal behavior was alarming, with 13 offenses committed within ten months, including the dangerous motorcycle incident. The court also learned that he had shared his Singpass credentials with an unknown individual on Telegram, seeking a loan of $300. This act led to the creation of a bank account in his name, which was subsequently used to facilitate the transfer of nearly $300,000 in scam proceeds.
In light of the seriousness of the case, the prosecution had requested a sentence between two years and three and a half to five and a half months, coupled with the same disqualification from holding any driving licenses for five years post-release. The teen’s defense urged the court to consider a more lenient sentence, citing his potential for rehabilitation supported by his family.
OFFENCES :
- Consuming methamphetamine on Aug 7, 2023
- Possessing a Samurai sword at Block 502A Woodlands Drive 14 on Jun 4, 2024
- Riding a motorcycle along the SLE without a driving licence or insurance on Jun 4, 2024
- Failing to stop when ordered to do so by LTA officer Mr Zdulfika Ahakasah on Jun 4, 2024
- Dangerous driving on Jun 4, 2024
- Absconding from authorities in October 2023
The 18-year-old has also been charged under the Computer Misuse Act for allegedly disclosing his Singpass account information in exchange for a loan.
Earlier charges against :
The charges against the 18-year-old motorcyclist are as follows:
- Dangerous driving
- Failing to stop when ordered by an authorised officer
- Riding without a valid licence
- Riding without insurance coverage
- Possession of a scheduled weapon without a lawful purpose
- Drug consumption
- Disclosure of Singpass account information in exchange for a loan (under the Computer Misuse Act)
If an individual is convicted of dangerous driving, they may face imprisonment for a maximum of 12 months or a fine of up to S$5,000, or both. Similarly, failing to stop when ordered by an authorised officer could result in a jail term of up to three months, a fine of up to S$1,000, or both.
Riding without a valid license or insurance coverage also carries significant penalties, with potential jail terms of up to three years and three months respectively, in addition to hefty fines.
Possessing a scheduled weapon without a lawful purpose can lead to imprisonment for up to five years and a minimum of six strokes of the cane upon a first conviction.
Drug consumption is a serious offence that can result in a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail, with a minimum of one year, or a fine of up to S$20,000.
Unauthorized disclosure of an access code may lead to imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both.
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