Drunk CEO who dislocated cabby's shoulder jailed 8 weeks, fined
SINGAPORE — A 60-year-old British chief executive officer who assaulted a taxi driver after a drinking session, causing the latter a dislocated shoulder, was on Thursday (30 June) sentenced to eight week' jail and fined $1,000 at the State Courts.
According to The Straits Times, Paul John Murphy, who heads PWS Holdings, was on his way home in a cab after a drinking session on 2 March 2018.
When cabby Elgin Lee stopped at a red light, Murphy opened the left rear door, causing another motorist to swerve out of the way. Lee then used vulgarities and told his passenger to close the door.
ST reported that later, as the taxi was moving, Murphy hit Lee's arm, causing a dislocated shoulder. Lee then stopped the vehicle and told Murphy to get out.
The taxi driver had to stop driving shortly after, due to the pain and sought medical treatment. He was given hospitalisation leave from 3 to 20 March.
Injury caused by 'boorish behaviour': prosecutors
According to ST, Deputy Public Prosecutor Lee Zu Zhao told the court that Lee's injury was caused "as a result of boorish behaviour exhibited by his intoxicated passenger".
Murphy, who claimed trial, was found guilty of two charges: causing hurt, and performing a negligent act endangering the personal safety of others.
Represented by lawyers Pratap Kishan and Nirmal Singh, the Briton had said that after closing the door, he had apologised to Lee, who "continued to shout vulgarities at him". According to the defence, Lee went backwards into his seat and told Murphy to get out of the taxi. The Briton then complied, the court heard.
ST reported that a doctor told the court during the trial that the scenario described by the cabby would be the most likely means by which the dislocation could occur.
For the assault charge, Murphy could have been jailed up to two years and also fined up to $5,000.
ST reported that he intends to appeal against his conviction and sentence.
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