SINGAPORE: In a recent string of court rulings, a driver and a man accused of domestic abuse faced the legal consequences of their actions, stirring conversations about road safety and the treatment of domestic helpers in Singapore.
Driver Sentenced for Careless Driving
Su Chao, a 39-year-old Singapore permanent resident, was sentenced on 9 June 2024 after colliding with a motorcyclist in May 2023. The incident left the victim, Chin Niyok Lian, aged 53, with significant injuries, including an upper arm bone fracture and multiple bruises.
Despite consuming at least two cans of beer earlier that evening, Su failed to slow down when Ms Chin reduced her speed due to a bus entering the slip road, resulting in the collision that caused her to roll several times on the road.
Legal Ramifications
- Su received a five-week jail sentence.
- He was fined S$5,000 (US$3,900).
- A three-year driving ban will begin on 23 May 2025, with an additional five-year ban commencing from the date of his release.
- A related charge under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA) added another week in prison.
In another shocking case, a 62-year-old man received a jail term of three months and ten days for whipping his domestic helper.
Domestic Abuse Incident
The man was incensed after the helper disclosed inappropriate remarks he had made to her to his wife. As tempers flared, he assaulted the victim, inflicting physical harm while trying to intimidate her into silence. He was found guilty on multiple charges, including causing hurt and using criminal force.
Damning Evidence
The victim suffered visible injuries, including bruising and abrasions, leading to her eventual report to the authorities. During the trial, the prosecution pointed to the man’s previous conviction for criminal intimidation as a sign of his pattern of abusive behaviour.
Implications of These Cases
These cases spotlight significant societal issues—road safety and the treatment of domestic workers. As Singapore continues to grapple with how to ensure justice for victims of reckless behaviour and domestic abuse, the courts are stepping up to send strong messages to violators.
As Deputy Public Prosecutor Kathy Chu stated during Su’s sentencing, the “high degree of carelessness” displayed by drivers contributes to incidents that can have devastating consequences. Likewise, the brutal treatment of domestic helpers raises urgent questions about their safety and rights in households across the nation.