A business development manager was sentenced to five weeks' jail
for attacking a taxi driver over a fare dispute.
Andrew Tan Soo Kiat, 36, also damaged the bonnet of the taxi by
jumping on it. The court heard that Tan had been heavily drinking
with a client before he and a friend boarded Hong Lee Tat's taxi at
around 3am on September 1, 2010. When they arrived at their
destination, a condominium in Balestier, Tan and his friend
alighted without paying the $15 fare.
An argument ensued, and Tan became aggressive. He eventually
paid up, and Tong drove off.
But Tan and his friend went to confront Hong as he was leaving
the condominium.
Tan damaged the taxi's bonnet by jumping on it. The cost of the
damage came up to $300.
Tan also verbally abused Hong, and punched and kicked him. The
attack caused Hong to fall and hit his head.
A security supervisor nearby who witnessed the incident pulled
Tan away. The court was told that Tan apologised to Hong and
compensated him with $771.
Tan pleaded guilty to one count of causing mischief and another
count of voluntarily causing hurt. The maximum punishment for
mischief is a one year jail term and a fine. For voluntarily
causing hurt, the maximum punishment is a jail term of up to two
years and a $5,000 fine.
