Girl Who Killed Man While Driving Against Traffic Jailed 5 Years, Fined RM18k

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A part-time model was sentenced to five years in jail and fined RM18,000 by the Bukit Mertajam Magistrates’ Court today after she was found guilty for driving against the traffic flow resulting in the death of a man three years ago.

Danial Saad/NST

Magistrate Sri Pracha Nanthini Balabedha meted out the punishment to Ng Pei Ven, 22, after finding the defence failed to raise reasonable doubts against the prosecution case at the end of the defence case.

The court also ordered Ng to serve another 24 months in jail if she failed to pay the fine and had her driving licence revoked as well as disqualified from applying for a driving licence for five years from the date of conviction.

The court, however, allowed the accused’s application for a stay of execution, to file an appeal in the High Court and raised the bail to RM12,000 from RM7,000 previously.

Ng, who was dressed in a white blouse, looked visibly dejected and sobbed before the verdict was read out.

Zhafaran Nasib/The Star

She stood expressionless in the dock as the court interpreter translated the verdict to her.

Ng also frequently turned back to look at her mother, who was sitting in the gallery.

FMT

She was seen crying as bailiffs handcuffed her in the dock.

On March 24, 2017, Ng pleaded not guilty to reckless and dangerous driving resulting in the death of Mohamad Fandi Rosli, 26, on the North-South Expressway, northbound at 7.50 am on March 14, 2017.

Fandi had just got married and his wife was one month pregnant.

Four other vehicles were also damaged in the incident.

Ng was 19 years old at the time.

Sayuti Zainudin

She was charged under Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to RM20,000, upon conviction.

Ng’s lawyer Lim Boon Beng said his client regretted her actions and had apologized to Fandi’s family. He also said Ng had a mental disability and had been severely traumatized by the incident.

“Ng has not committed a violent crime,” he said. “She has shown remorse and apologized. Any harsh sentence would only affect her future.”

He added that Ng was unable to work due to her disability and required constant guidance from her parents.

However, deputy public prosecutor Mohd Amril Johari said the case against Ng was a matter of public interest as there were many reckless driving cases of late which had ended in fatalities.

He also called for a deterrent sentence which would provide justice for Fandi’s family.

He said Ng’s learning disability should be disregarded as it did not affect her driving.

Outside the courtroom, Lim said the family has not decided yet on the payment of the bail and the fine.