Hit-and-run motorist drove car to workshop for repairs to cover up accident

SINGAPORE - A man who had taken drugs before driving ended up beating a red light, crashing into a motorcyclist and fleeing the scene.

Toh Hong Leng was driving in a dangerous manner when he made a right turn from the extreme right lane of Airport Road onto Upper Paya Lebar Road on Sept 5 last year.

He drove into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist, Mr Huin Jian Min, 27, and hit him. Mr Huin suffered injuries and was given outpatient medical leave for two days.

A district court heard that after the collision, the 44-year-old gas delivery man stopped momentarily but did not exit his car. Suddenly, he made a sharp left turn and sped off.

He drove the car to a workshop in Sin Ming Industrial Estate Sector A for repairs to cover up his involvement in the accident.

On Tuesday, Toh admitted to charges of dangerous driving, failing to stop and render aid after the accident, perverting the course of justice and three-drug related offences.

He was arrested at Block 18 Sin Ming Industrial Estate Sector A at about 8pm that day for having controlled drugs.

He was found to have 10 straws of not less than 0.18g of heroin, two metal spoons and four syringes for smoking.

His urine sample was analysed and found to contain morphine. Toh, who has a 1999 drug consumption conviction which has not been set aside, was subject to enhanced punishment for drug-taking.

Three other drug consumption and possession charges were taken into consideration during his sentencing.

He was jailed a total of five years and five months, and given three strokes of the cane. He was also fined $1,000 and banned from driving for 12 months.

elena@sph.com.sg

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