Former actor Edmund Chen to appeal five-day jail sentence over careless driving case
Former local actor Edmund Chen has filed an appeal against his five-day jail sentence for careless driving that caused grievous injuries to a motorcyclist. He is also changing lawyers as the case moves to the appellate stage.
- Former local actor Edmund Chen has filed a notice of appeal against his five-day jail sentence and five-year driving ban.
- The court had rejected submissions from both prosecution and defence for a fine, citing a high degree of carelessness.
- Chen is also changing legal representation ahead of the appeal.
SINGAPORE: Former local actor Edmund Chen has filed an appeal against his five-day jail sentence for careless driving that resulted in grievous injuries to a motorcyclist.
Court records show that the 63-year-old lodged a notice of appeal on 2 February 2026. He was identified in court documents as Tan Kai Yuan.
According to the public hearing list, Chen is also in the process of changing his legal representation. His previous lawyers were Mr Josephus Tan and Mr Cory Wong from Invictus Law.
Chen is now represented on record by Mr Kelvin Ong from Contigo Law, court documents indicate.
The appeal follows a sentencing decision in which the court imposed a custodial sentence, despite both the prosecution and defence arguing for a fine instead.
Chen had earlier pleaded guilty to one charge of driving without reasonable consideration for other road users, an offence that resulted in grievous hurt.
The offence took place at about noon on 4 March 2025 along the Ayer Rajah Expressway. Chen was driving in the fourth lane towards the direction of the Central Expressway.
According to the facts of the case, Chen intended to filter out from the expressway towards the road leading to Keppel Road.
He slowed his vehicle almost to a stop before filtering sharply across lanes and driving over chevron road markings.
A 21-year-old motorcyclist was travelling behind Chen in the same lane. He was unable to swerve in time to avoid the sudden manoeuvre.
The motorcycle collided with the rear left portion of Chen’s car. The rider was thrown off balance and suffered significant injuries.
The motorcyclist sustained fractures to his right hand and wrist. He later underwent surgery for his injuries.
He was placed on 99 days of hospitalisation leave. The court was told that he did not suffer any permanent injury.
During sentencing submissions, both the prosecution and defence urged the court to impose a fine rather than a jail term.
The prosecution highlighted mitigating factors, while the defence pointed to Chen’s guilty plea and the absence of lasting injuries.
However, District Judge Shawn Ho rejected those submissions. He imposed five days’ imprisonment and a five-year driving disqualification.
In explaining his decision, Judge Ho found that Chen had demonstrated a “high degree of carelessness” while driving.
The judge also described Chen as being “deliberately cavalier about certain mitigable risks”, referring to his prolonged inattention and abrupt lane change.
Judge Ho said the manner of driving showed a sustained lapse, rather than a momentary error, which warranted a custodial sentence.
The court noted that Chen’s actions created a serious risk to other road users, particularly vulnerable ones such as motorcyclists.
Chen was earlier granted a deferment of his sentence to March. This allowed him to observe the Chinese New Year period.
The deferment was also granted to give him time to settle work commitments and family matters before starting his jail term.
Under the law, the offence of driving without reasonable consideration causing grievous hurt carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment.
Offenders may also be fined up to S$5,000, or face both imprisonment and a fine.
