SINGAPORE - A verbal dispute between two neighbours outside their homes in Yio Chu Kang escalated into a fight which resulted in the older man suffering serious injuries.

On Wednesday (Nov 16), Eugene Saw Yew Chin, 38, a self-employed man in the car industry, was sentenced to 10 weeks' jail for causing hurt to Mr Sonny Tan Kheng Siong, now 62, along Countryside Road on Nov 1, 2014.

He had admitted to pushing and kicking Mr Tan and delivering multiple blows to his body at 2.38am, causing him to suffer a fractured wrist and possible rib fractures.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Eunice Lau had said that Mr Tan was nearing his residence after a drinking session when he sounded his horn twice as Saw's car was in his way.

Subsequently, both men got out of their cars and started arguing.

Then Saw pushed Mr Tan and both started swinging their arms at each other. Mr Tan fell to the ground after Saw landed a punch on him.

Mr Tan got up and tried to strike Saw who managed to overpower the victim and delivered multiple blows to the victim's head area until the victim landed on the ground. Saw then repeatedly stomped on Mr Tan.

While scuffling, Saw managed to push Mr Tan hard. Mr Tan landed on the ground, got up and after more scuffling, Saw delivered yet another blow to the victim and caused him to land with his back to the ground.

The two stopped fighting after family members intervened.

Among Mr Tan's injuries were swelling of his right forearm, wrist and hand as well as his left eye. His wrist was broken and he had to undergo surgery in which metal implants were inserted. He is still undergoing rehabilitation for his fracture. Saw has since paid him $6,545 for his medical fees.

DPP Lau, who sought a sentence of at least three to four months' jail, argued that the assault was protracted and vicious. She said at 59, the victim was more vulnerable compared to Saw who was the "clear aggressor''.

Saw, who deferred sentence until Monday (Nov 21), could have been jailed for up to two years and/or fined up to $5,000.