Man fined for verbally, physically abusing taxi driver while visibly drunk and not wearing mask

SINGAPORE — A man who had verbally and physically abused a taxi driver while not wearing a mask and appearing visibly drunk last year was handed a fine of S$2,000 on Tuesday (March 15).

Francis Dion James, 51, an Australian, pleaded guilty to one charge of abusing a public service worker. Two other charges relating to the incident were taken into consideration.

The victim, 48-year-old taxi driver Purvis Tay, was waiting at about 8.55pm on June 4 outside Asia Square Tower 1 along Shenton Way for a passenger who had booked his taxi.

While he was waiting, Dion James, who was working as a marina engineer at the time of the offence, boarded the taxi and refused to alight despite being asked to do so.

The court heard that the driver called the police for assistance as he was unable to manage the situation. In the meantime, the person who called for Mr Tay's taxi cancelled the booking.

Mr Tay told the police: “I got a drunkard on my taxi. He is not supposed to be inside as he did not book the taxi."

While waiting for the police to arrive, the accused kept pushing the victim and repeatedly shouted vulgarities at him.

In a surveillance footage viewed during the subsequent investigation, Dion James was seen not wearing a mask over his mouth and nose during the incident.

The court heard that he was also not compliant when police officers arrived. He appeared unstable in his gait, reeked strongly of alcohol and had a flushed face.

In mitigation, Dion James’ defence lawyer said that the man had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and felt deep remorse and regret over the incident.

Due to the proceedings related to the offence, he has had to forgo certain employment opportunities and even missed the birth of his grandchild.

Dion James has also paid compensation and handed a handwritten letter of apology to the victim, the lawyer added.

The prosecution confirmed that the victim has received them and forgiven the man.

Deputy Principal District Judge Luke Tan meted out a fine of S$2,000, with a default sentence of two weeks’ imprisonment if he fails to pay the fine.

For abusing a public service worker who is executing his duty, Dion James could have been fined up to S$5,000 or jailed up to 12 months, or both.