A shocking case of a veteran lawyer's downfall has gripped Singapore. The once-respected Steven John Lam Kuet Keng now faces jail time for a series of reckless and dishonest actions.
On the night of April 6, 2024, Lam, a 56-year-old Singaporean and founder of Templars Law, drank beer with friends until midnight. Despite being over 20km from home, he decided to drive, a choice that would change his life forever.
As he drove his black Mazda CX-9, Lam's inebriated state caused him to veer across lanes, mount the kerb, and collide with nine sections of central guard railings. Footage from his car's camera captured the dangerous incident. The damage was extensive, with the Land Transport Authority incurring a repair cost of S$1,848.
But here's where it gets controversial... After the collision, Lam tried to evade responsibility. He turned off his engine, left his car, and attempted to hail a taxi, all while bystanders tried to stop him. When confronted, Lam lied, claiming an unknown friend had driven him home while he slept in the back seat. He even refused to provide details about this mysterious friend.
The traffic police, acting on Lam's statement, searched for this person but found no one. Lam lied again during an interview at the traffic police headquarters, this time claiming he was a passenger who had fallen asleep. He alleged that the unknown driver had fled the scene.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Jonathan Tan sought a jail term of 6 to 10 weeks, a fine, and a lengthy driving ban, citing Lam's previous convictions for drink driving and speeding. Defense lawyer Ramesh Tiwary argued for leniency, highlighting Lam's contributions to society and claiming the charges for lying were out of character.
And this is the part most people miss... The judge, while acknowledging Lam's public service, emphasized the potential harm Lam could have caused, especially given the residential area and the presence of pedestrians. The judge also noted Lam's higher alcohol level compared to his previous conviction and his attempts to escape responsibility, which wasted public resources.
Lam was ultimately sentenced to eight weeks' jail, a fine of S$18,000, and a six-year driving ban. He chose to begin his jail term immediately.
This case raises important questions: Should a person's past contributions be considered in sentencing? Is there a double standard when it comes to professionals like lawyers? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!
