THEY were to be brothers-in law soon but a dispute between them led to a chopper attack in June.

On Wednesday, 21-year-old Goh Yong Fa, a fitness consultant, was sentenced to two months' jail for using a chopper to hurt Tan Mieng Hwee, 25.

Tan suffered a laceration on his left forearm but has since recovered from the injury.

The court heard that Goh planned to marry Tan's younger sister, who is currently pregnant. Both families were unhappy over the marriage, which was planned for end of the year.

On June 10, Goh called Tan to tick him off for being rude to his mother by speaking loudly to her. Tan denied this and an argument broke out.

They arranged to meet at the carpark of Block 811 French Road later that day to settle the matter.

When they met, Goh grabbed Tan by the neck and used his other hand to whip out a chopper from his sling bag.

He swung the chopper at Tan, who blocked the blow only to have his left hand slashed.

Before passing sentence, District Judge James Leong said: 'The use of a chopper is totally unacceptable.'

However, in lieu of the impending marriage, Mr Leong added: 'It is as lenient a sentence as I can possibly give.'

The court heard that Tan has accepted $2,000 in compensation from Goh to cover his medical expenses but the pair are still not on talking terms.