Briton fined $5K for hitting taxi and kicking door

A broker was fined $5,000 on Tuesday for causing damage to a taxi by hitting the roof of the vehicle and kicking the left rear passenger door.

Briton Ian Charles Pearson, 43, admitted to committing mischief at the driveway in front of Robertson Blue condominium at Robertson Quay on July 6 last year, causing damage amounting to $1,156.

A magistrate's court heard that taxi driver Ho Kwok Keong, 40, picked up four Caucasians, including Pearson, at Boat Quay at about 1.45am that day.

During the taxi ride, there was a dispute between Pearson, who was seated in front, and the driver. The other three passengers alighted at a condominium at Martin Place.

Mr Ho then drove to Robertson Blue where Pearson alighted. Both men had another dispute and were shouting at each other outside the cab.

In the midst of the dispute, Pearson kicked the taxi door and pounded the roof with his fist.

Pearson's lawyer said his client would be making full restitution to the company, ComfortDelgro, soon. The maximum penalty for mischief is two years' jail and a fine.

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