Maserati hit-and-run driver claims trial, wants car back
The Maserati driver accused of knocking down a traffic policeman is claiming trial to the traffic charges levelled against him – and he wants his car back.
S Balamurugan, a lawyer acting for Lee Cheng Yan, told the State Courts on Thursday (25 January) that his client intends to claim trial to all the traffic charges.
Some of the charges are related to the alleged hit-and-run incident on 17 November last year, when Lee allegedly accelerated towards and hit a traffic police officer who stopped him for enforcement checks.
Balamurugan also sought to have the Maserati – which was seized following Lee’s arrest last November – to be released to Lee.
District Judge Christopher Goh objected, saying that the car was used in an alleged offence.
Lee, 34, was first charged in the State Courts last November for committing a rash act that caused grievous hurt and driving while disqualified.
He was then hit with several additional charges when he appeared in court last December. They included obstruction of justice charges, failing to stop after a traffic accident, driving without motor insurance, driving under disqualification and failing to stop when ordered by the traffic police.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Quek Jing Feng told the court that of the 23 charges so far against Lee, amendments may be made, and there are additional charges pending. Investigations by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau are also ongoing for Lee’s charges under the Remote Gambling Act.
In the 17 November incident, traffic police officer Staff Sgt Khairulanwar Abd Kahar suffered multiple injuries and was sent to hospital after Lee allegedly hit him along Bedok Reservoir Road. Khairulanwar reportedly clung to the driver’s door and was dragged along the road for 100m.
The white Maserati Lee was driving was later found abandoned near Upper Aljunied Road. Police arrested Lee at a flat in Geylang Bahru Road.
Lee will be back in court on 1 March.
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