29th October 2007
The Attorney Generals Chambers IMMEDIATE
1 Coleman Street BY FAX (6339 0286) ONLY
#10-00 The Adelphi
Singapore 179803
Attn: The DPP-in-charge
Dear Sirs
THE CASE OF REGAN LEE 7 months imprisonment
I read with concern the aforesaid case especially the rare
circumstances relating to the manner in which the accident occurred
and also the conduct of the Accused thereafter.
As a member of the bar and a concerned citizen, I have found the
sentence meted out by the presiding Judge to be manifestly
inadequate.
Whilst one would expect any member of the bar acting as defence
counsel on a frequent basis in the course private practice
gravitates one towards a stance of leniency towards accused
persons, this should only be so when the circumstances reveal
mitigating factors which warrant a lesser sentence which I deeply
feel is not the case here.
Regan Lees circumstances of the accident was wholly caused by his
recklessness in handling a test-drive. It was obvious that a test
drive by a prospective driver impliedly means less than usual
familiarity of the finer aspects of the driven car. If the driver
was less than familiar, should he have pushed the car towards the
limit of its performance envelope?
Regan Lee should not have but he did so and in the process he lost
control of the vehicle under normal road conditions, mounted the
central road island and crashed into two oncoming vehicles on the
opposite side of the road.
In this case, not only was a life of the passenger salesgirl taken
away causing extreme distraught to the family of the deceased,
there were four other passengers in another vehicle traveling in
the opposite lane who were injured as well.
Regan Lee was not immediately suspended, and he went on to test
drive other cars which he bragged about on the internet forums.
While waiting for his case to come to court, Lee put up a posting
in a car forum asking for advice on two high-performance cars he
was interested in. I understand that he was even involved in
another accident before his present charge was proceeded
with.
Regan Lees actions by far have been most reprehensible and his
subsequent conduct and attitude totally lack remorse. If he were
not given a heavier punishment, there would not be a proper
deterrent signal to other reckless drivers.
Your illustrious office had often appealed to the High Court when
inadequate sentences were meted out in far less nefarious offences.
I deeply feel that this is a case that your office should take the
case forward to a stiffer sentence to be meted out.
I have realized that I am not alone in my opinion and perhaps on
this basis and the reasons I set out hereinabove, the Prosecution
could relook the case and sentence and bring the matter up on
appeal.
In view of the limited time available for an appeal to be made, I
beseech your prompt and decisive action.
Yours faithfully
Chia Ti Lik (Mr.)
