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73-year-old driver jailed for assaulting and trying to bribe traffic cop

Tang Joo Yong alias Peter Tang was jailed for 14 months and 10 weeks and fined $1,300 for bribery, using criminal force on a policeman, and a string of traffic crimes. (Yahoo News Singapore file photo)
Tang Joo Yong alias Peter Tang was jailed for 14 months and 10 weeks and fined $1,300 for bribery, using criminal force on a policeman, and a string of traffic crimes. (Yahoo News Singapore file photo)

A 73-year-old driver who was stopped by a traffic policeman for speeding took out two $50 notes and offered them to the police officer.

When the policeman sought to place him under arrest, the driver, who was driving while under disqualification, tried to walk away from the scene and pushed the officer on the chest.

At the State Courts on Wednesday (February 13), the culprit, Tang Joo Yong alias Peter Tang, was jailed for 14 months and 10 weeks, along with a fine of $1,300. He was also barred from driving for life.

Tang pleaded guilty to charges of corruption, using criminal force against a public servant and a string of traffic crimes – driving while under disqualification, using a vehicle without insurance coverage, speeding and permitting driving without licence.

On 10 April last year, Tang was stopped by police sergeant David Yap for speeding. At the time, Tang did not have a driving licence and was driving while under disqualification.

When Sgt Yap told Tang that he would have to issue him a summon for speeding, Tang took out the money. Sgt Yap rejected the bribe and asked Tang to cooperate in being placed under arrest.

But Tang walked away and shortly after pushed Sgt Yap on his chest using both hands.

On 16 October 2017, Tang also allowed another person to drive a vehicle which Tang owned, although the person did not have a valid driving licence – an offence under the Road Traffic Act.

In a joint statement on the case after Tang was sentenced, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau and the police commended Sgt Yap on his integrity and honesty, and encouraged members of the public to do the same if they are offered a bribe.

The anti-graft agency said it will take tough enforcement action against those involved in corruption, while the police said it takes a serious view of those who obstruct officers from carrying out their duties, or cause them physical or verbal harm.

The maximum penalty for corruption is a fine of up to $100,000 and up to five years’ jail.

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