In a shocking case of negligence and abandonment, a Singaporean driver has been sentenced to prison for leaving a fatally injured cyclist on the roadside after a collision. Chua Kun Yang, 34, was handed a sentence of one year and five months in jail, along with an eight-year driving ban.

The tragic incident occurred on February 6, 2023, around 2 a.m., when Chua failed to give way at a zebra crossing. The victim, 65-year-old Lee Lian Kuang, was riding a power-assisted bicycle and had the right of way.

After the collision, instead of seeking immediate help, Chua moved the unconscious Mr. Lee onto a grass patch and claimed he would return after parking his vehicle. However, he fled the scene, leaving a taxi driver as the only witness to call for assistance.

Despite efforts to revive him, Mr. Lee succumbed to his injuries later that night, having suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and acute hemorrhage.

In court, Deputy Public Prosecutor Joseph Gwee highlighted the grievous nature of Chua's actions, pointing out that if not for the quick thinking of the witness, Mr. Lee might have died unattended. Chua’s choice to abandon the scene not only demonstrated irresponsibility but also showcased a blatant attempt to evade the consequences of his actions.

While the prosecution sought a heavier sentence of 22 to 26 months, the judge settled on a lesser term, emphasizing the importance of timely aid in critical situations. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dire repercussions of hit-and-run incidents and the moral duty drivers have to assist injured individuals.

The verdict underscores a crucial legal and societal message: fleeing from responsibility, especially in life-and-death situations, will not be tolerated.