NUS professor who drove Maserati dangerously gets $5k fine and 13-month ban

A National University of Singapore (NUS) professor, who was caught on camera driving his Maserati in a dangerous manner, has been given a $5,000 fine and disqualified from driving all classes of vehicles for 13 months.

Henry Yeung Wai Chung, 50, was also found to have a history of committing other traffic offences in recent years, a district court heard on Monday (Nov 26).

According to The Straits Times, he had been fined up to $200 for each of his three earlier offences between 2012 and 2016 - namely for speeding, inconsiderate driving and careless driving.

The China-born Singaporean pleaded guilty to his latest offence of dangerous driving and was given the maximum the maximum fine of $5,000.

He had been driving his Maserati on the right side of Lorong Chuan towards Braddell Road at around 1.15pm on Sept 7, when a white car in front of him started changing lanes to the left.

https://www.facebook.com/BehChiaLor/videos/758360901171923/

Deputy Public Prosecutor Deborah Lee said: “Instead of waiting for the white car to finish changing lanes so that the road in front of him would be clear, the accused overtook the white car on the right, crossed the single continuous white line and drove into the lane that was meant for vehicles travelling in the opposite direction. He then drove back into his lane on the correct side of the road.”

Soon after, Yeung overtook a second car driven by Mr Leow Kee Chye, 67, before veering back into the right lane in front of Mr Leow’s vehicle.

Mr Sim Chin Huat, 59, was driving a lorry ahead of Yeung towards Braddell Road when Yeung drove at a fast speed to try to overtake Mr Sim’s vehicle on the right.

"While doing so, the accused mounted the kerb of the centre divider and went into the lanes for vehicles in the opposite direction," added DPP Lee.

"Fortunately, there was no collision. The accused then drove against the flow of traffic, crossed the double continuous white lines before stopping his car in front of Sim’s lorry."

An NUS spokesman said: "The university expects all members of its community to conduct themselves in accordance with the law.

"NUS is reviewing the court’s decision and will decide on whether disciplinary proceedings will be taken against Professor Henry Yeung."