A 52-year-old Briton, Mark Alan Edge, was sentenced on 19 December to 13 months imprisonment for on count of voluntarily causing grievous hurt, according to Channel NewsAsia.
In a bizarre incident on July 12, 2020, Edge was with his wife when they mistakenly boarded the wrong Grab car, leading to a sequence of events that culminated in an unprovoked assault.
The Mistaken Ride
In the haze of their inebriation, Edge and his wife had drunkenly and unknowingly boarded a Grab car that had been booked by a 62-year-old man, described by the prosecution as a “good Samaritan.”
This unfortunate mistake set off a chain of events that would leave lasting consequences for everyone involved.
As the couple realized their error and disembarked, Edge’s wife inadvertently left her phone in the back seat of the Grab car. Little did they know, this simple oversight would lead to a violent altercation later on.
Attempt to Return the Phone
Upon discovering the forgotten phone, the victim who had originally booked d the ride, showing commendable kindness, boarded the car in an attempt to return the misplaced item. What should have been a straightforward resolution took a sinister turn when Edge, fearing extortion, decided to take matters into his own hands.
The situation escalated quickly upon reaching Holland Village. Instead of a civil exchange, Edge sucker-punched the victim from behind, fracturing bones and causing severe injuries. The attack was described as an “unprovoked violent campaign” by the prosecution.
Legal Proceedings
Edge contested the charge, presenting a different narrative of events. The court heard testimonies from the Grab driver, who expressed fear for the victim’s safety, and Edge’s wife, who had an imperfect recollection of the incident. Despite the defense, District Judge Luke Tan convicted Edge, emphasizing the severity of the assault.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Michelle Tay highlighted the gravity of Edge’s actions, seeking 18 to 21 months’ jail, including a compensation order of S$14,481.30. The prosecution argued that Edge’s response to the victim’s kindness was an unjustifiable act of violence.
Edge’s Defense
In his defense, Edge maintained that he perceived the victim’s actions as an attempt at extortion. Despite his wife’s testimony, the court found him guilty of repeatedly assaulting the victim, leading to fractures and significant injuries.
The victim, a director at Manulife Singapore, suffered not only physically but also financially. Medical expenses amounting to S$14,481.30 underscored the real-world consequences of Edge’s actions.
Undeterred by the criminal proceedings, the victim initiated a civil suit against Edge. The judge refrained from ordering compensation, leaving the matter to be addressed in the civil trial, where a comprehensive resolution could be sought.
Judge’s Ruling
While Edge faced a jail term, the judge opted not to order compensation, expressing confidence in the civil trial to address the broader issues of compensation, damages, and related matters.