An Italian restaurant owner was sentenced to two weeks' jail on Friday for attacking a taxi driver, kicking him in the groin area.

Donnino Rossetti, 44, a Singapore permanent resident, was also ordered to pay $500 compensation to cabby Toh Chee Keong, 36, after admitting to hurting him at Bedok North Street 3 last June.

The court heard that Mr Toh picked up Rossetti along Club Street at about 2am on June 18 last year, and was directed to go to Bedok North Street 3.

The victim asked for directions before driving. About half an hour later, after the victim exited from East Coast Parkway towards Bedok South Avenue, Rossetti created a fuss and questioned the victim over the route taken.

He also shouted and hurled vulgarities at Mr Toh, who pointed to the road sign "Bedok North Street 3''.

As the victim turned into Bedok North Street 3, Rossetti pushed the victim on the head. Mr Toh drove for a while before stopping. He had earlier noticed that the passenger smelled of alcohol.

The victim got down and wanted to find out why Rossetti had pushed him. He also wanted to call the police.

On seeing this, Rossetti got down and suddenly threw a punch at the victim's face, causing his lip to bleed. He then walked away.

When the victim asked why he was punched, Rossetti kicked the victim once at his groin area. Rossetti was allowed to defer sentence until April 7. He could have been jailed for up to two years and/or fined up to $5,000 for causing hurt.