SINGAPORE — The driver of a military jeep that overturned and killed a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) serviceman was charged in a district court yesterday with causing death by a rash act, while the conducting officer of the training exercise has been accused of perverting the course of justice during investigations into the incident.

According to court documents, Cavin Tan, 21, did not possess the requisite military driving licence to drive a military jeep, nor was he trained in driving such a vehicle.

Last year, 20-year-old Third Sergeant Tan Mou Sheng, who was a passenger in the jeep, was flung out of the vehicle after it overturned. He was pinned under it and later died from his injuries.

The incident took place at the SAF Marsiling training area, which is off Mandai Road.

Cavin Tan was also charged with causing hurt to two other soldiers — who were also flung out of the vehicle — due to his rash act.

If found guilty, he could be jailed up to five years and fined.

The conducting officer, 32-year-old Master Sergeant Lee Kong Kean was charged with abetting Cavin Tan’s offences.

Lee was charged with two counts of instigating Cavin Tan to drive the jeep, even though he knew the younger soldier was neither trained nor possessed the necessary military driving licence.

He was also charged with perverting the course of justice — he is alleged to have gathered a group of five instructors and informed them of his intention to lie to investigators that Tan had stolen the jeep.

If found guilty, Lee could be jailed up to seven years and fined. Both men have indicated that they will claim trial, and will be back in court next month.