Скачать или смотреть Driver jailed 2 weeks for accident which killed two boys - 27Jan2014

SINGAPORE: The cement truck driver who failed to keep a proper lookout and knocked into and killed two brothers, has been sentenced to two weeks' jail and banned from driving for five years.

Munir Mohd Naim, 57, on Monday pleaded guilty to a charge of negligent act that does not amount to culpable homicide.

The accident happened on January 28 last year at about 5.43pm at the junction of Tampines Avenue 9 and Tampines Street 45.

At that time, Munir was driving the cement mixer and while turning left, failed to keep a proper lookout and drove into cyclist 13-year-old Nigel Yap and his seven-year-old brother, Donavan Yap, who was the pillion rider.

The boys died in the accident.

The prosecution urged the court to impose a two-week jail term and to disqualify Munir from driving for five years as the accused was "grossly negligent".

It added that Munir did not stop before making the left turn and that the green man signal was on, which meant the brothers had the right of way.

The defence argued that Munir, a divorcee, is "sincerely contrite" and has accepted responsibility for his actions.

The court heard that Munir was on his knees and crying when he found out the boys were dead.

The defence noted that the accident occurred in the school zone at a pedestrian crossing.

It added that this case serves as a cautionary tale -- that cyclists should get off their bicycles at pedestrian crossings and that greater awareness is needed.

In sentencing, District Judge Tan Boon Heng stressed that motorists, especially those driving heavy vehicles, must exercise greater care.

The accident in question, he said, took place in a school zone where the driver was to keep an extra lookout.

The maximum penalty for negligent act is a two-year jail term and a fine.

www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/driver-jailed-2-weeks-for/969370.html

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SINGAPORE: The parents of two boys who died in an accident in Tampines last year have said they accept the court's verdict and now that the case is closed, they want to move on.

Mr and Mrs Yap have since moved from their Tampines home to a smaller flat in Chua Chu Kang.

Mr Yap said this is to let his wife be nearer to her other family members who live around the area.

The couple also hopes that their new home and new environment will, more importantly, give them a new start.

Madam Suliani Ang said: "My husband has previously said he's forgiven the driver. I have also forgiven him. So whether it's two weeks, or two years (imprisonment), it's not important to us.

"Even if you give him the death penalty, my children won't come back to life. We trust (in) the judgement of the authorities. Regardless of the judgement, (let's) just leave it (at that). If not, we will feel stuck and not have closure."

Mr and Mrs Yap have set aside one part of their new home in memory of their two sons.

The shelves in the study are filled with the boys' favourite toys and photographs.

The couple said that over the past year, they have tried to keep themselves busy to take their minds away from the accident.

Mr Yap hopes the incident will serve as a lesson to other drivers.

He said: "Finally the case is closed, we now just need to move on. We never think about how the operator got punished. Things done already, can't be undone.

"Next time... must tell his friends or colleagues -- driving cement truck must be more cautious, don't misjudge."

www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/parents-of-boys-who-died/969850.html