SINGAPORE - A businessman who punched a shopkeeper over a disagreement was jailed for a year on Friday (March 31).

Originally charged with robbery, S.I. George Raj, 46, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of causing hurt to Indian national Senthilkumar Sachithanantham, 43, at Nature Fresh Mart at Jalan Kuras, off Upper Thomson Road, on June 4 last year.

He was also given a concurrent sentence of two months' jail for threatening Mr Senthilkumar that evening with a chopper.

In addition, Raj had pleaded guilty to repeatedly raising hs voice and gesturing at police officers at Level 2 of Orchard Towers on Sept 3 last year. He was fined $1,000.

A district court heard that Raj got into an argument with Mr Senthilkumar over Raj's credit account with the store on the evening of June 4.

When the victim told him off, Raj punched the victim on his chin and his head a few times, and said he would kill him.

When the victim responded, daring him to do so, Raj took a 16cm chopper from one of the shelves, and went towards the victim.

The court heard that he also assaulted two other men in the shop by kicking them - these were among four charges taken into consideration.

On Sept 3 last year, police were doing enforcement checks at Level 2 of Orchard Towers when Raj asked them why they were doing so. He was unhappy they were there.

Raj, who was reeking of alcohol, repeatedly raised his voice and gestured towards the police officers. Despite several warnings, he continued his disorderly behaviour and was arrested.

Assistant Public Prosecutor Lydia Goh sought a sentence of one year for causing hurt and two months for criminal intimidation.

Raj had a number of violence-related previous convictions such as robbery with hurt, causing hurt by dangerous means and breach of personal protection order.

She told the court that he has a "pre-disposed violent streak", judging from his criminal record.