A HIT-AND-RUN lorry driver who caused the death of a pedestrian by dangerous driving was jailed for two years and nine months on Wednesday for five traffic offences.

Ong Woo Meng, 45, unemployed, was also banned from driving for 10 years.

He admitted to causing the death of Ms Tang Peck Ngim, 54, a tax officer, by dangerous driving at a pedestrian crossing in front of Block 32 New Upper Changi Road on Oct 21, 2007.

He also admitted to failing to stop after an accident, failing to render assistance and removing his vehicle without police authority.

Ong denied a drink driving charge but was found guilty by District Judge FG Remedios after a two-day trial.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Elizabeth Lee Liang Mae told the court that Ong was driving on the extreme right of New Upper Changi Road when he beat the red lights and hit Ms Tang who was crossing the road.

On impact, Ms Tang was flung forward and landed face down on the centre of the road. She died of multiple injuries.

After the collision, Ong stopped his lorry for a few moments before driving away. A witness noted part of the registration number of his lorry and reported to the police.

An island-wide search was conducted and Ong's lorry was traced to his employer's premises at Bedok.

Ong was arrested when he turned up in the afternoon.

As he was noted to have bloodshot eyes and alcoholic breath, a breathalyzer test was administered which he failed.

Ong was taken to Police Headquarters where another test found his breath specimen to have 63mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath, which exceeded the legal limt of 35mcg. He later admitted to having drunk two bottles of ginseng wine the night before.

Ong has a previous conviction for committing a rash act.