Prosecution, defence ask for fine for ex-Grab driver who ran over passenger's foot
A private hire driver moved his car off before his passenger was fully in the vehicle, causing her foot to be run over and her ankle to be fractured, a court heard on Tuesday (11 December).
Former Grab driver Chan Khuan Meng, 69, was convicted at the State Courts on Tuesday of one count of causing grievous hurt by doing a negligent act, having pleaded guilty to the charge.
The prosecution is seeking the maximum fine amount of $5,000, along with an 18-month driving ban. Meanwhile, Chan’s pro bono lawyer is asking for a $2,500 fine and a 12-month ban.
Chan will be sentenced at a later date.
Victim was still boarding car
At about 11.20am on 26 May, Chan went to pick up Sridevi Balpanathan, 41, and two passengers Dipti and Kalavadee from the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Kalavadee entered the car’s rear right door, while Dipti and Sridevi entered the car’s rear left door.
After Kalavadee had closed her door, Chan started to move off. But Sridevi was not fully inside the car. She fell to the ground and the car’s left rear tire ran over her foot.
Chan stopped the car and attended to the victim with the help of several passers-by. She was sent to hospital with a left ankle fracture and underwent surgery.
After four days in hospital, she was discharged with 18 days of medical leave. As a result of her injuries, the victim may experience long-term problems with her left ankle joint.
CCTV footage of the accident was played in court.
Atypical and unusual case: lawyer
Deputy Public Prosecutor Lim Wei Yang asked for the maximum fine amount of $5,000 and an 18-month driving ban in line with previous cases.
But Chan’s pro bono lawyer Russell Pereira argued for a $2,500 fine and a 12-month ban, saying the case was very uncommon.
“Chan had moved his vehicle off after hearing the sound of a door being closed not realising that Ms Balpanathan was still boarding the vehicle from the left rear door. This was wholly due to a lapse in his concentration,” he said.
Chan had moved off slowly after he thought all his passengers had boarded the vehicle, the lawyer said. And the accident did not involve the flouting of traffic rules, dangerous driving or any collision.
Chan is deeply remorseful for the accident and had rendered assistance to the victim. He also went to make a police report after the victim was sent to hospital and cooperated with the Traffic Police in their investigations.
He is also willing to meet to meet the victim personally to apologise to her, and to provide compensation for her medical expenses amounting to $1,899.55, the lawyer said.
District Judge Victor Yeo is expected to pass sentence on 8 January.
The maximum penalty for causing grievous hurt by doing a negligent act to endanger human life or the personal safety of others is up to two years’ jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
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