Updated: 01/21/2014 16:38 | By Channel NewsAsia
Bouncer jailed 3 weeks for punching taxi driver
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SINGAPORE: A bouncer was on Tuesday jailed three weeks by a district court for punching a taxi driver.
Muhammad Rafiuddin Ridwan, 27, had approached the taxi driven by 66-year-old cabby Chuan Lip Hiong, opened the door and punched him.
The court heard that in September 2012, Mr Chuan was driving his taxi along Coleman Street with his wife beside him, just as Muhammad Rafiuddin and a friend were attempting to jaywalk across the road.
As the taxi had the right of way, Mr Chuan continued driving when he heard a loud bang on the right side of his vehicle.
He then realised the mirror on that side of the car was turned outward, presumably because it had hit Muhammad Rafiuddin.
After a brief confrontation between both men, Mr Chuan continued on his way.
Muhammad Rafiuddin then started chasing the taxi and hitting the rear of the vehicle.
When Mr Chuan was about to stop the taxi, Muhammad Rafiuddin approached the vehicle and attacked him.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nicholas Lai, who pressed for a short custodial sentence, said the cabby had suffered "serious injuries", and that the incident had happened in the afternoon in broad daylight.
In passing the sentence, the District Judge said that while Muhammad Rafiuddin was angered by the taxi driver, his actions were "excessive".
Muhammad Rafiuddin could have been jailed up to two years and fined S$5,000 for voluntarily causing hurt. - CNA/ms
