Man fined $8k and banned for causing father's death in road accident

Mr Albert Quek, 71, had been sat in the back of his 24-year-old son James Quek Teck Soon's Kia Picanto when it hit the back of a tipper truck then side-swiped a stationary Hyundai before coming to a stop at a traffic light island. -- PHOTO: STOMP
Mr Albert Quek, 71, had been sat in the back of his 24-year-old son James Quek Teck Soon's Kia Picanto when it hit the back of a tipper truck then side-swiped a stationary Hyundai before coming to a stop at a traffic light island. -- PHOTO: STOMP

SINGAPORE - An engineer who admitted causing his father's death in a car accident was fined $8,000 and banned from driving for five years on Wednesday.

Mr Albert Quek, 71, had been sat in the back of his 24-year-old son James Quek Teck Soon's Kia Picanto when it hit the back of a tipper truck then side-swiped a stationary Hyundai before coming to a stop at a traffic light island.

Quek Teck Soon pleaded guilty to causing his death by failing to keep a proper lookout ahead along Punggol Way on Feb 6 this year.

His 43-year-old brother Johnson Quek Teck Boon, who was sat in the front passenger seat, was seriously injured with fractures and a bruised right lung. He was warded for two weeks and given a total of 31 days hospitalisation leave.

The court heard that Quek had been driving home after visiting his mother in hospital.

Quek's father suffered severe bodily injuries and a cardiac arrest. He died in hospital about 21/2 hours later.

Quek was warded for two days with his injuries.

A second charge of causing grievous hurt to his brother was taken into consideration during his sentencing.

He could have been jailed for up to two years and/or fined for causing death through his negligence.

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.