Man, 46, gets 8 months' jail for driving against traffic flow without license in Bukit Panjang

An unlicensed driver, 46, who drove against the flow of traffic, evaded arrest and beat four red lights in the process, has been sentenced to eight months and two weeks' jail.

Ho Whai Keet, a repeat offender, was also handed an eight-year driving ban on Nov. 5 by a district judge, according to Straits Times (ST).

The judge stated that the overall sentence was "necessary to achieve the goal of deterrence".

Police gave chase

On Feb. 15 at 9:50pm, Ho was told to stop on the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) by a traffic police officer for driving against the traffic flow.

Instead of complying to stop, Ho sped off from Bangkit Road in Bukit Panjang.

He was eventually arrested five kilometres away after police gave chase.

Ho hit a centre divider in Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4, allowing police to intercept him. 

Ho pleaded guilty to four charges on Sep. 18, one each for driving without a licence, driving without insurance coverage, failing to stop when ordered by a police officer to do so, and dangerous driving.

In his written judgment, District Judge Koo Zhi Xuan justified the sentence.

“Those who drive dangerously to evade arrest, risking the safety of motorists, pedestrians and police officers, must be severely dealt with.” 

The judgement focused on the individual sentence for the dangerous driving offence, reported ST.

As a repeat offender, Ho could have been sentenced to a fine of up to $10,000, up to two years’ jail, or both.

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Top photo from Shin Min Daily News