A MAN pushed a taxi driver who fell backwards and died of a severe head injury at a petrol station last September, a court heard on Tuesday.

Arun Rajan, 29, pleaded not guilty to causing the death of relief taxi driver Chew Peng Choon, 62, by doing a negligent act at Esso petrol kiosk along Tampines Avenue 9 on Sept 27 last year.

The ex-financial controller had had some drinks before he boarded Mr Chew's cab along Yishun Ring Road to go home in Tampines. Along the way, he vomited inside the taxi.

According to a statement of facts, Mr Chew was told to stop outside the petrol station. There, he demanded the taxi fare and an additional $50 for cleaning up the taxi from Arun.

The two men later had an argument over payment after the cabby was not happy with the $30 paid by Arun. Mr Chew again asked for $50 which Arun refused to pay.

Subsequently, Mr Chew was seen taking something from the cab and advancing towards Arun to attack him. During a struggle, Arun pushed Mr Chew who fell backwards and injured his head. He was taken to Changi General Hospital where he died of a broken skull two days later.

The trial continues.