AYE accident: Driver remanded another week for psychiatric assessment
The silver Mercedes involved in the accident along AYE towards Tuas before Tuas West Road at about 8:05am on Monday (Dec 19) morning. Photo: Wee Teck Hian/ TODAY
SINGAPORE—The driver accused of driving against traffic causing a horrific crash on the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE) has been remanded for another week on request by a doctor from the Institute of Mental Health.
Lim Chai Heng, 53, has been remanded for psychiatric assessment since December 20, a day after he allegedly drove a silver Mercedes car at high speed against traffic during morning rush hour, crashing into several other vehicles and killing media personality Liong Kuo Hwa.
His lawyer Yusfiyanto Yatiman objected to the prosecution’s request for further remand a second time on Thursday (Feb 2), arguing that it was past the designated remand period.
According to laws here, a medical practitioner can ask the court to remand an accused person for up to two months to observe and provide any necessary treatment before certifying to the court, in writing, his opinion on the person’s state of mind.
Lim, who is self-employed, faces one charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Although the offence carries the possibility of caning, Lim will not face this punishment because, under the law, those older than 50 cannot be caned.
He was previously charged with causing death by reckless or dangerous driving, which carried a maximum jail term of five years.
About 10 of Lim’s family and friends, including his wife and brother, turned up for the hearing at the State Courts on Thursday.
Lim’s case will be mentioned again on Feb 9, when his lawyer is expected to argue for bail to be granted.
