Ex-S’pore air force chief, 74, who drove into domestic helper, 44, & boy, 2, fined S$5,000 & disqualified from driving for 5 years

The former chief of air force was fined S$5,000 and disqualified from driving for five years for driving negligently and colliding with a 44-year-old Indonesian domestic helper pushing a two-year-old boy in a stroller.

Goh Yong Siang, 74, pleaded guilty on Jul. 1 to one of two charges, driving without reasonable consideration, causing grievous hurt, The Straits Times reported.

The other charge, which involved driving without reasonable consideration, causing hurt to the boy, was taken into consideration during sentencing.

Footage

The incident occurred on May 17, 2024.

Goh had failed to keep a proper lookout when he made a right turn at a pedestrian crossing along Pasir Panjang Road towards Telok Blangah Road, at the junction with Harbour Drive.

In dashcam footage from Goh’s car played in court, the domestic helper was reportedly thrown into the air upon impact and landed on the ground.

Her face was bleeding, and the car's windscreen was cracked as a result of the collision.

Both the domestic helper and the boy were conveyed to the National University Hospital.

She reportedly sustained multiple injuries, including a deep facial laceration, a ligament tear and a knee contusion.

The domestic helper was given 42 days of hospitalisation leave.

The boy’s parents declined medical leave on his behalf.

Both of them were apparently crossing the road when the green man signal was on.

The prosecution sought a fine between S$4,000 and S$5,000, noting that while the woman suffered grievous hurt, she is unlikely to suffer any permanent disability.