Romanian envoy, Silviu Ionescu, needs to be brought back to Singapore so justice can be served for the three innocent victims hit by the car he was driving on December 15, 2009, says STOMPer Chong.

On March 31, State Coroner Victor Yeo concluded from the inquiry that Dr. Ionescu was the man behind the wheel at the time of the fatal hit-and-run in Bukit Panjang.

Mr. Yeo also said that the ex-envoy’s behaviour from the time of the accident was “not only cowardly and irresponsible, to say the least, but utterly deplorable”.

When Ionescu spoke to the Straits Times on March 31, Ionescu called the verdict “bull****” and added that he didn’t believe in the Singapore court system.

In response, an angry STOMPer Chong says:

“I hope we manage to nail him for the innocent victims, and especially for the man who died as a result of his actions.

“Now that it is established who was behind the wheel, Ionescu’s blatant refusal to return to Singapore just shows he is afraid of what might happen if he does.”

According to reports in the Straits Times, the State Coroner said Ionescu deliberately lied when he told police that the Audi A6, owned by the Romanian embassy, was stolen.

In an inquiry which involved more than 50 witnesses, the Coroner heard that Ionescu had slowed down and scolded a passer-by who tried to stop him from fleeing after he hit three men in sequence.

Among them, Mr Tong Kok Wai died after suffering brain injuries.

“To think he was once held a considerable amount of power and status really shocks and disgusts me,” says STOMPer Chong.

“How can he be allowed to get away just because of a few diplomatic relations?

“Ionescu needs to stop hiding behind his diplomat status and face the music like a man should.”

In another article published in the Straits Times on April 1, Ionescu was described as the “black sheep of the diplomatic community”.

One ambassador even described Dr. Ionescu as one who brought many different women to functions and didn’t seem to care that he was married.

The ambassador told the paper:

“It says something about the type of man he is that he could blatantly disregard the social norms of our profession. Some of us did wonder how he ever became a diplomat.”

Many diplomats also expressed disappointment with how Ionescu is making use of immunity to escape justice, saying that diplomats in Singapore usually adhere strictly to the law here despite having immunity.

In a public poll conducted by the Straits Times, all 50 Singaporeans interviewed said that Ionescu needs to be brought back to Singapore no matter what it takes.

Many also expressed hope that the Romanian government would not help the ex-envoy escape the hands of the law.

Another STOMPer, Stanley, adds:

“I praise the spore legal system ,crime must pay.

“In my opinion, he must be brought back and put behind bars.

“I believe our government is trying to get that done.

“It is a shame to his own country that as a high ranking diplomat, he has this behaviour.”

The Attorney-General’s Chambers is currently studying the Coroner’s findings before a decision can be made on future developments to the case.