Man fined S$5,000, banned from driving for letting sons sit on Porsche boot
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- A Singaporean man was fined S$5,000 and banned from driving for six months for a rash act endangering his two young sons.
- The man drove his Porsche with his sons, aged eight and seven, sitting on the boot, an act captured on video and posted on TikTok.
- The court noted the man's history of traffic violations and the fortunate absence of injuries to the children.
A Singaporean father has been fined S$5,000 and banned from driving for six months after admitting to a rash act that endangered his two young sons. Prem Anan Sugunakumar, 40, posted a video of himself driving a Porsche with his sons, aged eight and seven, perched on the vehicle's boot. He told the court he believed it would be an "enjoyable experience" for them.
he did so because he thought it would be an "enjoyable experience" for his sons, then aged eight and seven.
The incident occurred on Oct 20, 2025, on Dairy Farm Lane. Prem drove his car at a moderate speed with the boys on the boot, facing the rear. His wife filmed the event, and the video was later shared on TikTok. Another driver witnessed the act and reported it to the police the same day.
it was purely fortuitous that the children did not sustain any injuries, adding that they were vulnerable due to their age.
In sentencing, Deputy Principal District Judge Kessler Soh expressed concern over Prem's extensive history of traffic violations, which include speeding and inconsiderate driving. The prosecution highlighted that it was "purely fortuitous" the children were not injured, given their vulnerability due to age. They argued that a father should prioritize his children's safety, not place them in danger.
As their father, he should be expected to prioritise or at least look out for their safety. Instead, he deliberately put them in a position of danger.
Prem's defense lawyer, James Gomez Jovian Messiah, requested a lesser fine and driving ban, citing Prem's remorse, early guilty plea, and "positive character." He emphasized Prem's close bond with his sons, his active involvement in their lives, and his emotional support, alongside charitable contributions. However, the judge's decision reflects a serious view of the endangerment, despite the defense's efforts to highlight Prem's positive attributes and family involvement.
he had pleaded guilty early, shown remorse and has a "positive character".
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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