The case involved Then Shing Chong, 58, who drank about a litre of beer over nearly six hours before the crash, according to a report by CNA. Then had pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving for failing to follow traffic signs and crossing three lanes of a roundabout before crashing into the fountain structures on July 13, 2024. — Picture from social media By Malay Mail First Published: Thursday, 16 Jul 2026 10:04 AM MYT SINGAPORE, July 16 — A man who drove his Porsche through a barricade and into Suntec City’s Fountain of Wealth after drinking alcohol was sentenced to five weeks’ jail and disqualified from driving for 30 months.The case involved Then Shing Chong, 58, who drank about a litre of beer over nearly six hours before the crash, according to a report by CNA.Then had pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving for failing to follow traffic signs and crossing three lanes of a roundabout before crashing into the fountain structures on July 13, 2024.The court heard that Then had gone to a bar at Suntec City at about 5pm to meet a friend, where they ate and drank with other friends who later joined them.Between 6.15pm and midnight, Then consumed about a litre of beer before leaving the bar and retrieving his Porsche.In-car camera footage showed Then remained stationary for nine to 10 seconds even after a gantry barrier had lifted for his vehicle to pass, before he drove away.While travelling along Temasek Boulevard, he lost focus and continued straight despite road signs directing him to turn left into a roundabout.He then drove across three lanes of the roundabout and crashed through a barricade at the Fountain of Wealth, causing his vehicle to plunge into the basement area of the fountain.Three construction workers were in the basement at the time, including two working near the crash site, but they managed to move away and avoid injury.The collision caused damage to the fountain area, including the barricade, planter boxes and flooring, with repairs costing about S$64,580 (RM204,000), while Then later made full restitution of S$74,000.The court was told Then did not undergo an intoxication test after the incident as he was hospitalised shortly afterwards.His lawyers had sought a report to assess his suitability for a mandatory treatment order, citing a link between his major depressive disorder and the offence.However, District Judge Koo Zhi Xuan rejected the request, saying alcohol impairment was a stronger explanation based on the facts of the case.The judge said Then’s alcohol impairment level at the time of the incident remained unknown and could not be determined because the evidence was no longer available.“Drink driving is a highly irresponsible behaviour and a scourge in our society which must be deterred,” Judge Koo said.He added that psychiatric conditions could be considered if evidence showed they were a substantial contributing factor beyond voluntary intoxication.Then had been diagnosed with major depressive disorder only after the incident and had also told doctors he had taken either an antihistamine or sleeping pill before consuming alcohol that day.For dangerous driving, Then could have faced up to 12 months’ jail, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both.