SINGAPORE: In a tragic case that highlights the perils of reckless driving, a 30-year-old man, Jarrett Tee Lee Kiat, was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison on Friday, June 27, for causing the death of his passenger, Leann Lim Jia Le, during a dangerous racing game. The incident took place on the East Coast Parkway (ECP) expressway in February 2024, where Tee engaged in what has been described as "blocking and braking games" with another motorcyclist, reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h.

On the fateful night of February 23, Tee was driving a rented Mercedes-Benz alongside a motorcycle operated by Kovan Tan, who had his girlfriend, 18-year-old Leann Lim, as a pillion rider. Tee's reckless driving included swerving into the path of Tan's motorcycle, forcing the rider to reduce speed. Eyewitness accounts revealed that Tee even made a disturbing comment to his passengers, asking, "Do you want to see motorcycle fly?" This unsettling remark preceded the catastrophic collision that ultimately cost Leann her life.

After the crash, which sent both Tan and Lim flying several meters from their motorcycle, emergency responders found Lim unresponsive. Despite attempts by paramedics to revive her, including administering CPR, she was pronounced dead later that day due to severe brain injuries. Tan sustained minor injuries but was hospitalized for several days.

Tee's actions leading up to the collision were both reckless and devoid of remorse. In the immediate aftermath, he described the accident to his friend, claiming it was the motorcycle that "kept taunting him" and that Lim had provoked him with a rude gesture. This lack of accountability and empathy was echoed in his own words, where he remarked that Lim "deserved it" for pushing his limits.

Throughout the trial, it became apparent that Tee's conduct showcased a troubling attitude toward his reckless behavior. The prosecution painted a stark picture of a young man who not only disregarded the safety of others but also treated the life of his passenger with casual indifference. They cited victim impact statements from Lim's grieving family, emphasizing the profound loss felt by her father and stepmother.

Tee, who was a full-time student at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and a part-time chef and social media influencer, was advised by his attorney to plead guilty amidst overwhelming evidence against him. His lawyer, Pang Khin Wee, portrayed Tee as a misguided youth, struggling with personal issues stemming from his parents’ divorce. The defense sought a lesser sentence, arguing that Tee did not intend for anyone to be harmed, viewing his behavior as an attempt to appear tougher in front of his friends.

Despite the defense's arguments, the court deemed the severity of Tee's actions unacceptable. In addition to his prison sentence, Tee received a driving ban for ten years. This case serves as a chilling reminder of the consequences of reckless driving and the need for greater accountability on the roads.