Man dangled colleague off 19th-storey building site

A Construction worker left a colleague clinging on for his life to the side of a 19th-storey condominium site after a workplace row.

With his whole body dangling over the side of the building, 23-year-old Bangladeshi Islam Md Nurul was so scared he even shouted for his mum and dad to help.

His co-worker - Chinese national Li Zheng, 33 - was yesterday jailed three years for criminal intimidation after admitting a charge reduced from attempted murder.

The pair had been working on the Silversea condominium worksite in Marine Parade Road on March 14 last year when Li allegedly suspected his colleague of stealing materials.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Chee Min Ping told the court that the incident occurred after both men had been waiting for a lift at level 19 of Tower 4.

When it arrived, Li got in and prevented Mr Nurul, who was pushing a wheelbarrow, from following.

When he asked Li "why you stop?", Li stepped out and scolded him with a Hokkien vulgarity. Mr Nurul swore back at him - at which point Li picked him up by his neck and right knee and carried him to the railing, while threatening to kill him.

Mr Nurul's entire body was dangling over the side of the building but he clung onto a metal rail and shouted for help before the lift operator went to his rescue and helped him climb to safety.

Li had another charge of pushing Mr Nurul against nearby metal railings taken into consideration during sentencing.

Mr Josephus Tan, who acted for Li under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme, said the accused was remorseful and determined to close this "dark chapter of his life". He plans to start life afresh back in China with his wife and young daughter.

Li could have been jailed for up to seven years.

elena@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on September 9, 2014.
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