SINGAPORE — Jarrett Tee Lee Kiat, a 30-year-old National University of Singapore student, was sentenced to five years and eight months in jail after pleading guilty to dangerous driving that resulted in the tragic death of 18-year-old Leann Lim Jia Le. The incident, which occurred on 23 February 2024, involved reckless driving practices that led to a fatal collision on the East Coast Parkway.
The Incident
On the fateful night, Tee initiated a series of high-speed manoeuvres he referred to as “blocking and braking games” while racing with motorcycle rider Kovan Tan. The two vehicles reached speeds of up to 160km/h, and Tee’s reckless actions ultimately forced Tan’s motorcycle into a collision.
- Tee swerved into the path of Tan’s motorcycle, causing it to crash.
- Lim, who was riding as a pillion, was thrown from the motorcycle and later succumbed to her injuries.
- Tee is reported to have shown no remorse, claiming in conversations that Lim “deserved it” after allegedly provoking him.
The Legal Proceedings
During the court proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Paul Chia described Tee’s driving as “one of the worst examples of dangerous driving possible,” highlighting the extreme level of culpability involved. Apart from the main charge, additional counts of dangerous driving were considered during sentencing, leading to a 10-year driving ban for Tee.
Reactions and Remorse
Despite the tragic outcome, Tee’s defence lawyer, Pang Khin Wee, attempted to portray him as a misguided young man influenced by his peers. The defence described Tee as a “hard-mouthed and boorish” individual, indicating that his bravado was merely a front to appear tough among friends. However, this did not absolve him of responsibility for the loss of life.
Community Impact
The case has raised significant concerns regarding road safety and the culture of racing among young drivers in Singapore. Victim impact statements from Lim’s family highlighted the profound grief and loss experienced due to Tee’s reckless behaviour.
In the aftermath of the incident, the importance of promoting safe driving practices cannot be overstated. The ongoing conversation around responsible behaviour on roads serves as a crucial reminder that reckless actions can have irreversible consequences.