A laboratory technician was jailed for 30 months and ordered to be given six strokes of the cane on Friday for causing grievous hurt.

Muhammad Ashiq Mohamed Yasin, 27, pleaded guilty to slashing Mr Muhammad Azahar Ghulam Kathir, 27, who suffered a fracture on his left elbow at Block 530 Woodlands Drive 14 on June 22 last year.

The victim is the husband of Ashiq's former girlfriend, Ms Siti Zurah, 26.

A district court heard that Ashiq continued to be in contact with his ex-girlfriend after their break-up in 2005 although Ms Siti Zurah and Mr Azahar were married in 2006.

Unhappy, the victim warned Ashiq over the phone not to contact his wife but Ashiq continued to do so.

On June 22 last year, the victim, together with his wife and two others, met Ashiq at a coffeeshop in Woodlands to talk about the matter.

Ashiq denied any motive for contacting Ms Siti Zurah. Mr Azahar became agitated and threw a lighter at Ashiq and this sparked a scuffle.

The two men had to be pulled apart. Other patrons in the coffeeshop told them not to create trouble and to take their problem outside.

The parties moved towards the side of the road and continued exchanging words. Ashiq then took out a knife and swung it several times at the victim. He stopped when the victim appeared to be unable to put up a further fight. He then left the scene.

Ashiq, who has a previous conviction for rioting, could have been jailed for up to 15 years, fined or caned.