BMW Driver Who Ran Red Light & Killed 14YO In Punggol Jailed for 2 Years

Fatal Collision: BMW Driver Pleads Guilty to Tragic Death of 14-Year-Old, Receives Prison Term and Driving Ban

In October of 2022, 25-year-old Firhan Aqil Mohamad Amran had driven his BMW through a red light. He collided with a 14-year-old using the pedestrian crossing, who tragically succumbed to severe head injuries three weeks later.

Over a year later on 18 December 2023, the same driver had pleaded guilty to all charges and has received a two-year prison sentence along with a 10-year suspension of all classes of driving licences. 

At the National Court, Firhan apologised to the deceased’s family through his lawyer after pleading guilty, expressing that this would be an indelible scar in his life.

The Tragedy in October 2022

The tragedy occurred around 11:30AM on 10 October 2022, in the Sumang Walk area of Punggol.

The victim, Adriel Choo, a Secondary 2 student, had left his school for home at around 10:30AM as school hours were shorter during the examination period.

He had alighted from a bus at Sumang Walk’s bus stop and walked towards a pedestrian crossing. 

When the pedestrian traffic light turned green, he began to cross the road.

At the same moment, Firhan had been on his way to his father’s home when he ran a red light, colliding with Adrien as a result.

According to witnesses, the 14-year-old boy was flung a distance away by the impact and was unresponsive upon landing, with blood flowing from both ears.

Adrien was rushed to Sengkang General Hospital in a state of unconsciousness, with severe head injuries and a fractured skull. He passed away approximately three weeks later due to pneumonia, despite medical efforts. 

The Trial

During the plea mitigation, defence lawyer Justin Ng said that Firhan’s attention had been drawn towards another traffic light further up front, which had been green at that time. Thus, he believed that he had the right of way. 

Mr Ng mentioned that it had been an error of judgement, rather than consciously taking the risk to beat the red light, which would suggest recklessness.

Mr Ng also brought up Firhan’s previously impeccable driving record.

Firhan had worked for his father and was responsible for driving and delivering goods without any prior accidents until this unfortunate event. He was not found to be speeding at that time.

Firhan pleading his guilt early in the case, as well as his willingness to cooperate with authorities throughout investigations, suggested genuine remorse, Mr Ng noted.

Mr Ng told the court, “Ultimately, (Firhan) recognises that there is nothing he can say or do that will ever be sufficient to make up for the tragic loss of (Adriel’s) life.

“This painful episode will remain an indelible scar that (Firhan) will carry with him throughout his sentence and throughout his life. (He) sincerely apologises to the victim’s family and hopes that they will find closure.”

The Verdict

Ultimately, Firhan was charged with the mandatory minimum sentence of two years for dangerous driving. He was also banned from driving for 10 years after his release.

He could have been charged for up to eight years. 

Firhan requested an extension until 15 January 2023 to begin his sentence, which the judge approved. The judge also sanctioned the return of Firhan’s impounded BMW to him.

In a Facebook post dedicated to her son, Adrien’s mother described him to be a diligent, model student who works hard having dyslexia. He was also an obedient, sensible and kind boy.

She said: “Life is so unpredictable and we have to cherish every single moment with our family.”