A cabby was sentenced to a day's jail and fined $2,500 on Tuesday for punching another on grave and sudden provocation. Ang Hak Huat, 54, had admitted to hurting Mr Tan Jim Hua, 57, on his hand, face and back at a taxi stand outside Tanah Merah MRT Station on Dec 14, 2011.

The court heard that Ang was queuing behind the victim who was waiting for passengers at the taxi stand when four passengers came and boarded Ang's taxi. Ang sounded his horn and asked the victim to move forwards but the victim told him that he could reverse his taxi and drive off.

When Ang's taxi was alongside the victim's, he wound down his window and said it was the passengers who had boarded his taxi. Mr Tan hurled vulgarities at Ang and his passengers.

Both drivers got out of their vehicles. When the victim flashed his fists at Ang, Ang punched him on his hands, face and back. They scuffled with each other and had to be separated by passers-by. Ang has compensated $1,000 to the victim, who suffered fractures on the right wrist and left little finger. But the doctor said it was not possible to conclude how he sustained the finger fracture.