Driver jailed for reckless road game that killed 18-year-old pillion rider

A 30-year-old man has been sentenced to five years and eight months’ imprisonment and disqualified from driving for 10 years after a reckless driving incident that killed an 18-year-old student.

On 27 June 2025, the State Courts heard how Jarrett Tee Lee Kiat’s dangerous manoeuvres on the East Coast Parkway led to the death of pillion rider Leann Lim Jia Le and injuries to motorcyclist Kovan Tan.

Tee, who was a student at the National University of Singapore at the time of the offence, pleaded guilty to one charge of dangerous driving causing death and one charge of dangerous driving causing hurt.

Fatal night of reckless driving

According to court documents, the incident took place on 23 February 2024. Tee contacted a friend, Vincent Loh, via Telegram to propose “grounding”, a slang term for driving around aimlessly. Loh agreed, and the group later split into two vehicles after supper in Sembawang.

Lim and her 16-year-old boyfriend joined the gathering. While Lim rode pillion on Tan’s motorcycle, her boyfriend accompanied Tee in a rented Mercedes-Benz. The convoy travelled towards East Coast Park via the East Coast Parkway.

At this point, Tee began racing Tan’s motorcycle, pushing his car to speeds of up to 160kmh. He then engaged in what prosecutors described as “blocking and braking games”, deliberately obstructing the motorcycle.

Taunting remarks and sudden swerve

Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Paul Chia told the court that Tee taunted his passengers by asking, “Do you want to see motorcycle fly?” Lim’s boyfriend, seated inside the car, pleaded with him not to act on the threat.

Ignoring the plea, Tee continued driving aggressively. When Tan attempted to overtake, Tee swerved abruptly to block the motorcycle’s path, colliding with it. The impact flung both Lim and Tan five to eight metres away.

Lim suffered severe brain injuries and later died in hospital, while Tan sustained multiple abrasions and a lacerated hand.

Attempts to deflect blame

After the collision, Tee phoned Loh, claiming falsely that the motorcycle had hit him. He also alleged that Tan had revved his engine provocatively and that Lim had gestured obscenely at him.

Tee repeated this account to the police, insisting the motorcycle had tailgated and high-beamed him. Investigations, however, proved these statements untrue.

Even after his arrest, Tee displayed no remorse. According to evidence presented in court, he later told Loh that Lim’s death was “deserved”, adding that she had “pushed his limits”.

Prosecution describes case as extreme

DPP Chia described the case as “one of the worst examples of dangerous driving possible”. He emphasised the deliberate nature of Tee’s actions, highlighting how the driver had turned the expressway into a scene of reckless games.

“The way which the accused drove, which resulted in the collision and the death of Leann, was extremely dangerous,” said the prosecutor. “His level of culpability is on the extreme end of high.”

The prosecution pressed for a severe sentence, citing the fatal consequences, Tee’s lack of remorse, and his attempts to deflect responsibility.

Sentencing and penalties under law

The court imposed a custodial sentence of five years and eight months, alongside a 10-year driving ban. Tee will also face the stigma of a conviction that bars him from holding any driving licence until the disqualification period expires.

Under Singapore law, individuals convicted of dangerous driving causing death face imprisonment of between two and eight years. Courts also have discretion to order driving bans and impose longer terms for repeat offenders.

Tee’s background and role as influencer

At the time of the offence, Tee was pursuing studies at the National University of Singapore. He also worked as a part-time chef and maintained a following as a social media influencer.

Court records indicated that his online presence and lifestyle contributed to his image as a confident driver. However, the prosecution stressed that his actions on the night of the incident demonstrated not confidence but reckless disregard for life.

Broader implications

The case has drawn attention to the dangers of thrill-seeking behaviour on Singapore roads. Prosecutors highlighted the importance of deterrence, particularly when reckless driving intersects with social influences and peer dynamics.

Legal experts note that Singapore has progressively tightened penalties for road offences over the past decade, reflecting public concern about safety. The maximum penalty for dangerous driving causing death was raised in 2019 to eight years’ imprisonment, doubling the previous limit.

Closing fact

In 2023, Singapore recorded 110 fatalities from road accidents, with speeding and dangerous driving cited as key contributing factors by the Traffic Police.