SINGAPORE - A school bus driver who slapped a motorist once on the face in a road rage case was jailed for one week on Tuesday (Dec 1).

Malaysian Mahendran Mohanakrishnan, 38, who is a Singapore permanent resident, pleaded guilty to causing hurt to his compatriot Yoong Hing Jie at the traffic light junction along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 on June 25 this year.

The court heard that Mr Yoong, 21, was driving his van along the third lane of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 when he tried to move into the left lane to enter Central Expressway (CTE) that day.

But he was unable to do so as Mahendran was driving his bus on the left lane.

Mr Yoong then proceeded straight and subsequently stopped at a traffic light junction below the CTE flyover as the traffic light signal was red.

After stopping his bus beside the van, Mahendran alighted, walked over to Mr Yoong and slapped him once on the left side of his face.

Mr Yoong lodged a police report that a bus driver had slapped him and punched the front windscreen of his van, causing it to crack.

A second charge of mischief was taken into consideration during sentencing.

Mahendran said he was remorseful for what he had done, and that his father is on dialysis.

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