SINGAPORE - A businesswoman went to visit her husband in hospital after an operation - then got in a scuffle with a woman she believed to be his mistress.

Lee Lian Huay stole eight belongings from employment agency owner Madam Koh Li Ching after the tussle and was fined $5,000 for theft on Tuesday.

A two-day trial had heard how dim sum was spilled when the fracas erupted in a ward at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital on Sept 2 last year. The women ran into each other for the first time while visiting 48-year-old Mr Ong Wee Chuan.

Madam Koh jabbed her finger at Lee, while Mr Ong even threw his drip stand in the direction of his wife - apparently in a bid to separate the women.

Madam Koh, 48, a divorcee with three grown-up children, had denied having an "adulterous relationship" with Mr Ong, founder of investment firm Golden Hung Ho Holdings. But evidence produced in court seemed to suggest otherwise.

Lee, 44, was fined $5,000 on Tuesday, for one count of theft for taking eight items worth $4,695 in total from Madam Koh's handbag. They included an iPhone, a designer wallet and watch plus $2,500 in cash,

District Judge Shaifuddin Saruwan ordered Lee to pay the fine or face four weeks' imprisonment in default.

Mr Chia Boon Teck who represented Lee, said his client is shocked by the conviction and is appealing against the decision.