Updated: 03/03/2014 12:46 | By Channel NewsAsia
Kitchen helper gets 6 weeks’ jail for punching taxi driver
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SINGAPORE: A kitchen helper who had too much to drink, was on Monday handed a six-week sentence for repeatedly punching a taxi driver.
The court heard that Koh Tong Guan got angry with taxi driver Lee Lin over the cab fare last May at Tampines Street 83.
The 48-year-old had gone for drinks after he finished work at about 9pm on April 30.
Then he met his friends for more drinks some time after midnight.
At about 3.17am, Koh and one of his friends got into Mr Lee's cab. The driver sent Koh's friend home first before dropping him off.
But Koh fell asleep along the way and when he woke up, he paid Mr Lee S$24 and insisted on getting back his change, even though the fare came up to S$24.25.
The two men got into a dispute and Koh got angry and punched Mr Lee in his face while in the taxi.
He rained more punches on the victim when they both got out of the taxi.
In pleading for leniency, Koh's lawyer, Mr Choo Si Sen said his client had demonstrated his remorse by rendering full cooperation during investigations.
Koh had also paid the victim S$2,000 as compensation.
The defence also noted that the injuries sustained were minor.
Koh can be jailed up to two years and fined S$5,000. - CNA/nd
