SINGAPORE: The 64-year-old Malaysian driver who allegedly crashed through the security barrier at Woodlands Checkpoint and entered Singapore on Saturday is facing two charges.
Tan Chu Seng, who is a Singapore permanent resident, is accused of committing two offences -- one count of acting rashly and another of vandalism. Both alleged offences are said to be committed at Woodlands Checkpoint on March 8 at about 4.03pm when he arrived from Malaysia. Tan is accused of driving a Singapore-registered gold-coloured Mercedes-Benz and causing hurt to an officer, Safie Mahrom, when he drove through the arrival car channel, while trying to escape officer checks. For that, he is looking at a maximum penalty of jail term of one year and a S$5,000 fine. As for the second charge, Tan allegedly drove his car onto the cat-claw security barrier just before he entered Singapore, thereby damaging government property. If convicted of vandalism, Tan can be jailed up to three years or fined a maximum of S$2,000. Tan, who was brought to court in a police vehicle just before 8am, smiled at the photographers and cameraman who were trying to get a shot of him. Later during the speedy mention, the prosecution asked for Tan to be further remanded in jail for one week to assist with police investigations. When the district judge asked if the accused had anything to say, Tan requested to be remanded for only four days, citing health reasons like hypertension and diabetes. His case will be mentioned on March 17. - CNA/nd |