4 weeks' jail for cabby who terrorised driver

A former relief taxi driver who terrorised a motorist in the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) tunnel last month was jailed for four weeks yesterday for the rash act.

The Feb 1 incident saw the SMRT driver tailgating, swerving between lanes, and hurling vulgarities and objects at the white Toyota car. It was caught on the 36-year-old victim's in-car cameras. The victim posted 23 clips on YouTube.

Car salesman Wayne Lim Yen Yew, 32, had pleaded guilty to hurling a Coke can and coins at Mr Shaun Lim Chin Seng's car at about 5.40pm that day. He also admitted to causing hurt to a 17-year-old in a 2012 carpark incident.

The court heard that while the two vehicles were on the KPE at about 5.40pm, Lim cut into the second lane behind the victim's car and tailgated him.

Lim then cut into the first lane and travelled alongside the Toyota, sped up and swerved his taxi slightly, almost causing a collision.

The victim then drove to the first lane behind the SMRT taxi and switched on his high-beam lights.

While the victim was driving behind the taxi, Lim began slowing down, filtered into the second lane and almost came to a complete stop, causing a car behind to brake abruptly to avoid a collision.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Claire Poh said Lim went to the third lane and stopped his car. He wound down his window.

The victim drove past Lim's taxi to avoid confrontation, but Lim started to follow the Toyota.

Lim drove past it and threw a Coke can, which hit the Toyota's bumper.

When the victim asked why he did that, Lim responded with Hokkien vulgarities.

Subsequently, Lim threw one coin after another at the Toyota, which cost about $700 to repair and spray paint.

In the other case, the court heard that Mr Soo Kok Wing, 61, was behind the wheel with family members in a car while he waited for a spot at the open carpark beside Block 630, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4, on Aug 5, 2012.

Lim, who was behind Mr Soo's car, tried to overtake Mr Soo when he was trying to park. Unhappy with the way Mr Soo had driven, Lim then stopped in front of Mr Soo's car and abused Mr Soo.

Lim alighted and hit Mr Soo's car. He then opened the driver's car door. When Mr Soo came out, Lim continued scolding him.

When Lim saw Mr Soo's 17-year-old son recording the incident with a phone, he tried to grab the device. Lim then punched the teen once on the right side of his face. Mr Soo called the police.

Lim could have been jailed for up to six months and/or fined up to $2,500 for the rash act to endanger the personal safety of others. The maximum punishment for causing hurt is two years' jail and a $5,000 fine.

elena@sph.com.sg

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