A freelance marine engineer was jailed for three weeks on Monday for punching a taxi driver. Soon Yam Bock, 53, admitted to throwing several punches on the face of Mr Kwa Chin Tiong in a taxi travelling along Mandai Road on June 15 last year.

A court heard that Soon was smelling of alcohol when he boarded the 65-year-old's vehicle along Yishun Street 22 and told the victim to drive to Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4.

While driving, Soon began to question the cabby why he had taken a particular route. The victim replied that it was the shortest route. Soon hurled vulgarities at the victim and punched him several times on his face. He also tried to strangle the victim.

Fearing for his safety, Mr Kwa drove to the zoo at Mandai Road and called the police. Soon could have been jailed for up to two years and/or fined up to $5,000 for causing hurt.