Singapore: High Court Quashes Drunk-driving Conviction

The Singapore High Court has quashed the drunk-driving conviction of Daniel Au on the basis that he had fallen into a drunken sleep while the car was parked rather than driving it while drunk. Mr Au was earlier punished with a two-week jail sentence, a driving ban, and a fine. He had appealed his conviction while serving his jail sentence, which was then quashed by the High Court. It has been reported that his new lawyer, Mr Peter Fernando, argued during appeal that the district judge who had sentenced his client had not “indicated that there was any evidence to show he had driven under the influence of alcohol or posed a risk to other road users.” Mr Au, who is to have his fine refunded and his driving license restored, is also reported to have said that his time spent in jail was “not easy”.