Former Air Force Lt‑Col Who’d Done It Before Gets the Nudge Again
SINGAPORE — The ex‑Republic of Singapore Air Force lieutenant‑colonel, S. Vengadeshwaran, now faces his second drink‑driving conviction in a decade. The man who once served as an honorary aide‑de‑camp to two former presidents finds himself in jail for the second time.
What Went Down
- After a night out on 4 Feb last year, Vengadeshwaran rolled in three pints of beer before hopping into a car.
- At a road‑block checkpoint, a breathalyser read 56 µg of alcohol per 100 mL—well above the 35‑µg legal limit.
- He was captured on the spot and taken to court.
The Past Record
In 2008, he was fined $2,000 and banned from driving for a year. That was the first time he hit the books for a drunk‑drive offense. This latest stumble pushes him over the threshold, making the punishment steeper.
What the Judges Decided
The court, led by District Judge Lorraine Ho, handed down a two‑week jail term and a $4,000 fine. The verdict also imposes a three‑year‑and‑one‑month disqualification from operating any vehicle.
“Repeat offenders should feel the pinch,” said Deputy Public Prosecutor Teo Lu Jia, favoring at least a fortnight in prison. Defence lawyer Patrick Fernandez argued that Vengadeshwaran could reform, accepting the jail stay as a necessary lesson.
What Happens Next?
- He’s currently out on a $15,000 bail.
- Will report to State Courts on 20 Nov to commence his sentence.
Quick Recap: How Singapore Treats Drink‑Driving
- First offenders: up to 6 months jail or a fine of $1,000–$5,000.
- Re‑offenders: up to 12 months jail or a fine of $3,000–$10,000.
While the man’s status as an honorary aide‑de‑camp—an honorary title that assists full‑time ADCs in the president’s service—has no bearing on the judge’s decision, it does bring a touch of irony to the story. From dignified duty to a drunk‑dashing drama, Vengadeshwaran’s tale reminds us that even the most upright can slip.
