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Tan Leng Yuan, 43, was jailed for six months on Thursday for punching and kicking Mr Chua and stealing $216 from him. -- PHOTO: CRO
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THE four friends had played mahjong every week for more than seven years.
On Nov 22 last year, the game took a violent turn when 40-year-old Chua Kim Poo was accused of cheating and beaten up.
Tan Leng Yuan, 43, was jailed for six months on Thursday for punching and kicking Mr Chua and stealing $216 from him.
His accomplices, Goh Fui Foo, 40, and Lek Swee Heng, 48, have yet to be dealt with.
A district court heard the four mahjong kakis or partners were playing at a flat in Block 9 Teck Whye Lane at 8.30pm.
When the game ended an hour later, Mr Chua won a total of $60 from the rest.
Lek accused Mr Chua of cheating and they started arguing on the 9th floor staircase landing.
Tan then joined in and punched and kicked Mr Chua. He then took $216 from Mr Chua and handed the money to Lek.
Despite being warned by Tan not to go to the police, Mr Chua did so.
He also sought medical treatment for cuts and bruises on his face, chest, stomach and ankle.
Tan has previous theft and drug convictions. The most recent committed some eight years ago.
For theft, Tan could be jailed up to three years and fined.
He told The Straits Times that it all arose from a simple misunderstanding and he had lost control.
He said: 'Kim Poo has been my close friend and mahjong kaki for so many years and I'm very ashamed of my actions.
'I'm glad we have patched up and are drinking beer and playing mahjong again.'
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