Retiree jailed two weeks for attacking train commuter after row over seat

Wong Shih Cher, 64, admitted causing hurt by repeatedly punching dealer Ng Keh Hee, 35, at Novena MRT station on July 9 last year. -- ST PHOTO: AZIZ HUSSIN
Wong Shih Cher, 64, admitted causing hurt by repeatedly punching dealer Ng Keh Hee, 35, at Novena MRT station on July 9 last year. -- ST PHOTO: AZIZ HUSSIN

SINGAPORE - A retiree who assaulted a train commuter after a row over a seat was jailed for two weeks on Thursday.

Wong Shih Cher, 64, admitted causing hurt by repeatedly punching dealer Ng Keh Hee, 35, at Novena MRT station on July 9 last year.

The court heard that both men were on the North-South line train heading towards Woodlands when the dispute erupted after Mr Ng refused to give up his seat for an elderly woman who was standing up.

When the train reached Novena, Wong brushed past Mr Ng while alighting. Unhappy that he did not apologise, Mr Ng shouted at Wong before both got off to discuss the matter further.

Mr Ng poked his finger at Wong's chest before a scuffle broke out, with Wong hitting Mr Ng who pushed him to the ground.

Wong got up and punched Mr Ng two more times in the face, and also tried to knee the victim. He only stopped when bystanders told him that Mr Ng was bleeding.

The assault was captured on CCTV and footage was played in court last month, when Wong admitted the charge after it was amended from causing grievous hurt.

Mr Ng suffered a right facial fracture and cuts on his right eyelid and cornea. He was discharged from hospital after three days and given medical leave until last November.

He needed two operations on a broken nose and was assessed to likely have a residual scarring and mild facial deformity.

Wong has paid him $5,700 in compensation.

District Judge Adam Nakhoda said he was not convinced that the degree of provocation was sufficiently grave to warrant the reaction.

Wong could have been jailed for up to two years and/or fined up to $5,000 for voluntarily causing hurt.

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