SINGAPORE: In a tragic case that highlights the dire consequences of reckless driving, 37-year-old Koh Chew Wa has been sentenced to one year in jail following a fatal hit-and-run incident.

Koh struck 26-year-old pharmacist Davin Ng Min You while speeding, then callously fled the scene, leaving Ng to succumb to serious injuries suffered during the collision.

On December 18, 2023, Koh received his sentence, which also includes an eight-year driving ban upon his release. This verdict follows Koh's guilty plea to several serious charges, including careless driving, failing to provide assistance after an accident, and perverting the course of justice.

The Incident

The incident occurred in the early hours of October 29, 2022, when Koh was driving from Sim Lim Tower towards a pub near Oxley Tower in his Mercedes-Benz.

Witnesses reported that he failed to slow down as he approached a busy traffic junction on Church Street, driving at a speed estimated between 70 km/h and 97 km/h—far exceeding the legal limit of 50 km/h. The crash was captured on surveillance footage, showing Ng being violently propelled into the air before landing on the road.

Medical Response

Despite immediate medical attention, including emergency surgeries, Ng died of severe brain injuries later that morning.

An autopsy revealed that Ng had consumed alcohol prior to the accident, but his blood alcohol level was low, suggesting it was not a contributing factor to his tragic demise.

Koh’s Actions After the Collision

In a shocking turn of events after the collision, Koh did not stop to assist the severely injured pedestrian.

Instead, he and a friend drove to a nearby building, where Koh orchestrated the towing of his damaged vehicle for repairs, indicating an intention to evade responsibility.

His attempts to conceal his involvement continued when he told the general manager of the car workshop that he had already reported the accident to his insurance provider—an assertion the prosecutor described as a blatant lie.

Court Proceedings

Deputy Public Prosecutor Matthew Choo emphasized in court that Koh's actions were not only reckless but cowardly, as he consciously chose to evade the consequences of his actions despite being asked to halt by his passenger immediately after the hit-and-run.

Koh's prior conviction for speeding just a month earlier only added to the prosecutorial argument that his disregard for traffic laws directly contributed to Ng's untimely death.

Sentencing and Consequences

Following his sentencing, Koh applied to postpone the start of his jail term, which the court granted, allowing him to remain out on bail of S$15,000 until January 31, 2025.

This case serves as a grim reminder of the potential consequences of reckless driving and the moral imperative to aid those injured in accidents, no matter the circumstances.

The repercussions for careless driving causing death can be severe, with penalties including up to three years of imprisonment, fines, or both.

Moreover, failing to assist an injured individual can result in an additional year behind bars, showcasing the legal system's commitment to holding irresponsible drivers accountable for their actions.