S'pore PR, 46, who drove while intoxicated & fatally hit pedestrian, severing body into 3 parts, appeals for lighter sentence

A 46-year-old Australian permanent resident has appealed for a lighter sentence after being convicted of driving under the influence, causing the death of a pedestrian and severing their body into three parts. The man, who was driving with his two young children in his vehicle at the time of the accident, pleaded guilty to one charge of dangerous driving causing death and another of repeat drink driving.

However, he is seeking a reduction in his 11-year jail sentence, existing S$12,000 fine, and 15-year driving ban. The crash occurred on April 23, 2023, when the man, who had been consuming alcohol and taking medication for a cold, failed to notice a pedestrian crossing the road. The victim, a 64-year-old retiree, was fatally injured, with his body split into three pieces.

The man's children, aged three and four at the time, were also injured and required hospital treatment. The main issue during the appeal hearing was whether the lower court had incorrectly granted the man a 30% sentencing discount for his guilty plea. The prosecution argued that the man did not indicate his intention to plead guilty during the initial stage of proceedings, while the defense argued that the discount should not be reduced due to the man's genuine remorse and the impact on his family.