An e-bike rider allegedly became involved in a physical altercation with a taxi driver after colliding with an opened taxi door.
The rider, identified as Tan Yew Huat, aged 51, appeared in court on Monday facing charges of voluntarily causing hurt and voluntarily causing grievous hurt.
Additionally, Tan was charged with using insulting language with the intent to distress the taxi driver, Mr. Sim Aik Kin.
According to the police, the incident was reported at 330 Balestier Road on May 29, 2022, at approximately 7:20 pm.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Tan collided with the rear left passenger door of the taxi after a passenger had opened it.
This collision led to a confrontation between Tan and Mr. Sim, during which Tan allegedly used vulgar language in Hokkien and punched Mr. Sim in the face.
As a result, Mr. Sim suffered a mildly displaced nasal bone fracture and began bleeding from his nose.
During the altercation, Tan reportedly picked up a metal bin and attempted to swing it at Mr. Sim, who managed to block the attack with his left forearm. Subsequently, Tan was arrested by the authorities.
The police stated that they take a serious view of violent offenses committed in public and emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the public.
Tan expressed his intention to plead guilty in court, although he did not engage the services of a defense lawyer. He is scheduled to appear in court again on July 17.
Voluntarily causing grievous hurt carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine, or caning.
The offense of voluntarily causing hurt can result in a maximum sentence of up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
Intentional harassment, which Tan was also charged with, carries a jail term of up to six months, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.