SINGAPORE – An intoxicated motorist who lost control of his Lexus at the Tuas checkpoint, causing an accident that

left an auxiliary police officer in a vegetative state

The sentence imposed by High Court Judge Aidan Xu was higher than the four-year term that the prosecution had sought in its appeal against the original jail term handed down to Yoong Kok Kai, 44.

Justice Xu also imposed the maximum fine of $10,000, which was inadvertently omitted by

the district judge who sentenced Yoong on March 17

There was no change to the 10-year driving disqualification period imposed by the lower court.

In brief remarks, the judge noted that Yoong “drove so dangerously that he smashed into a bollard and a gantry post on the pavement, hitting and causing very serious, life-changing, injuries to the hapless officer who had taken refuge behind these objects, having seen the car careen down the road at high speed”.

Justice Xu said there was no excuse for those who choose to drink large amounts and yet drive.

“Those who drive at excessive speed, or in a manner posing danger to others, while intoxicated, and who cause extensive injury to other persons, as well as property damage, can only expect very heavy sentences towards the highest end of the scale,” he said.

He added: “If anything, I wonder whether the maximum sentences prescribed are fully adequate for the worst type of incidents; that is, however, a matter for the l...