Jailed 2 weeks, compensation payment for hurting fellow taxi driver
Published on Aug 24, 2011
By Khushwant Singh
A taxi driver jailed two weeks for hurting a fellow cabby grumbled to the judge that it was 'unfair' to also make him pay compensation of $462. Lee Teck Siong, 39, who did not have a lawyer, argued that the jail term was sufficient punishment as he had pleaded guilty.
In reply, District Judge Eugene Teo pointed out on Wednesday that the maximum punishment for the offence of using criminal force was three months in jail and a $1,500 fine. As the sentence was two weeks in jail with no fine, the payment of compensation was in order, the judge explained.
The money is to reimburse the victim, Mr Chew Chee Beng, 38, for medical fees and for his taxi's rental for the three days he was on sick leave.
The court heard that both men were driving cabs for the Transcab taxi company in February.
Read the full story in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times.
