US Navy says sorry to motorist punched by sailor
By David Boey and Carolyn Quek
THE United States Navy has apologised verbally to the motorist who
was punched in the face and thrown against two cars in the Orchard
Road shopping belt last Friday by an American sailor.
The American Embassy has also pledged that the US Navy sailor will
have to face the music from his ship's commanding officer. If he is
found "guilty", the sailor could have his pay, rank and other
privileges docked.
'Under US military law, the Commanding Officer of the ship can
impose any combination of any of the following: confinement, hard
labour, restriction, loss of wages, loss of rank, and discharge -
punitive or administrative. The disposition depends on the
investigation,'' the spokesman told The Straits Times on
Monday.
'Generally, these types of incidents result in punitive action with
the member's career, liberty, and pay affected.'
Mr K.M. Ho, the motorist who was assaulted, said his lawyers are
taking up his case with investigators from the US Navy's Naval
Criminal Investigative Service.
If the matter goes to court, it will be at Mr Ho's expense and
could amount to several thousand dollars.
The 36-year-old communications manager said he was looking for a
parking lot for his Sports Utility Vehicle at the open carpark near
Wheelock Place when someone knocked on his vehicle.
He said that when he got out of the driver's seat to check, a
1.8-metre tall black American confronted him with fists raised and
yelled 'don't mess with me''.
Mr Ho said the man punched him so hard he needed four stiches to
close the wound. He found out later the man is a US Navy
sailor,
'I did not provoke him and did not retailiate. I asked him what was
going on and was slugged in the face,'' said Mr Ho.
He received cuts on his nose and eyesight in his left eye remains
slightly blurred, possibly due to internal bleeding. Mr Ho's SUV
was also dented.
An eyewitness claimed the sailor, who was arrested by police after
the incident, had caused a disturbance at the car park earlier and
had locked himself in a woman's car.
Responding to The Straits Times queries, an American Embassy
spokesman reaffirmed the US Navy's 'great appreciation for the laws
and customs of Singapore'' and pledged that the sailor will have to
answer charges under US military law.
The sailor cannot be named as investigations are on-going.
The US Embassy spokesman said the sailor is from the USS Tarawa, a
250-m long warship that carries helicopters, warplanes as well as
armoured vehicles and landing craft.
The embassy added that sailors are briefed on Singapore's laws
before they come ashore.
Among other things, they are briefed on 'social and cultural
information, local laws and customs, recreational opportunities,
and security and safety issues''
.http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/STIStory_187748.html
