Driver Dragged Police Officer After Drinking and Falling Asleep at Wheel

A 61-year-old motorist has been sentenced to seven days in jail for a rash act that caused hurt to a police officer after he was found asleep at the wheel of his car following a drinking session. Lew Voon Kim was convicted after a trial and also disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for one year upon his release.

The incident occurred on July 5, 2023, near the cross-junction of Lorong 6 Toa Payoh and Toa Payoh East. Lew had consumed alcohol before driving and subsequently nodded off, causing his vehicle to come to a stop in the middle of the road with its engine still running. Two police officers, Station Inspector Mohammad Daniel Zulkarnain Ahmad Farid and Special Constable Marcus Yap, arrived at the scene.

After instructing Lew to exit the vehicle, Station Inspector Daniel reached through the driver's side window in an attempt to turn off the engine. At that moment, the car suddenly surged forward. According to the testimony of Special Constable Yap, the movement was fast and rapid, caused by the accelerator being pressed. Station Inspector Daniel stated that he was dragged forward a couple of metres as a result, sustaining a bruise to his upper left arm.

During the trial, Lew, who was represented by lawyers, denied pressing the accelerator. However, the prosecution argued that his evidence was inconsistent and evasive. The Deputy Public Prosecutor highlighted that Lew had given contradictory statements regarding the position of his foot at the time of the incident. In an earlier statement, he claimed his foot was on the floor of the car, but during the trial, he testified that it was on the brake pedal. He also provided conflicting accounts about where the police officer had placed his hand on the vehicle.

District Judge Lorraine Ho found Lew guilty of causing hurt by performing a rash act. The prosecution noted that for the car to surge in the manner described, the accelerator had to have been depressed. The judge deemed the evidence against Lew to be compelling, leading to the conviction.

On September 23, the sentence was passed. Lew's bail was set at 10,000 Singapore dollars, and he is expected to begin serving his jail term on October 14. The case underscores the dangers of driving after consuming alcohol and the legal consequences of actions that endanger public servants.

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