Minibus passenger punched driver for travelling too slowly
Assailant was in a bad mood because he had just got divorced, court hears
A passenger in a minibus punched the driver because he was driving too slowly and making too many stops, Eastern court heard yesterday.
Wong Tim-leung, 51, who pleaded guilty to wounding, was in a bad mood on that day because he had just ended his 23-year marriage, barrister Eric Kwok told Magistrate Eddie Yip Chor-man.
The court heard that Wong, a taxi driver by profession, had asked to get off the minibus in Java Road at the junction of Yuet Yuen Street, North Point, at around 3am on January 6. As Wong got off the minibus, he scolded the driver, Lam Way-sun, 58, for driving too slowly, but Mr Lam ignored him.
Wong then hit the minibus door and the windscreen.
Mr Lam got out to check the damage, and a dispute ensued.
As they argued, Wong pushed Mr Lam to the ground and punched his chest and head. Wong was arrested while Mr Lam was taken to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, where he received three stitches to his forehead.
Mr Kwok told the court that Wong's act was 'out of character'.
He said Wong had no previous convictions and that he committed the offence because he was in a bad mood after divorcing his wife the day before.
Mr Kwok also said Wong was infuriated by the driver making frequent stops and that a now remorseful Wong was willing to compensate Mr Lam with $3,000.
Magistrate Eddie Yip Chor-man ordered Wong to pay the compensation and adjourned the case to April 1, pending probation and community service reports.
Outside court, Mr Lam said his minibus was travelling at 20kph that morning and that he only stopped to pick up passengers. 'I was trying to earn a few more bucks,' said Mr Lam.
He said it had been the first time he had been assaulted and that it had frightened him.
