David William Barker, the head of group engineering and fleet planning with the Singapore-based low-cost airline, allegedly throttled the cabby on May 8.

According to the charges, the attack happened along Tanjong Pagar Road.

The 58-year-old Barker, a British, faces a a maximum of two years' jail and a $5,000 fine.

He is out on $10,000 bail and is scheduled to next appear in court on Nov 17.

A spokesman for Tiger Airways, when contacted by The Straits Times on Monday, said: 'This is a personal matter under legal proceedings and accordingly inappropriate for the company to comment on.'

Barker joined the airline just over three years ago and is here with his family.