SINGAPORE: The wife of a Singapore tycoon accused of slapping a Singapore Airlines stewardess was acquitted by the court on Thursday.

The incident between 61-year-old Tan Siew Hoon and 25-year-old Then Jiamin occurred on board an SIA flight to Tokyo last September. She had slapped the SIA stewardess for allegedly flirting with her husband.

Madam Tan was given a warning, after the prosecution withdrew the charge against her.

Madam Tan's lawyer, Ravinderpal Singh, said they made a representation to the prosecution, who acceded to it.

Madam Tan could have been jailed up to one year or fined S$1,000, or both.

Madam Tan was all smiles when she arrived in court on Thursday morning, accompanied by her husband, Venture Corp CEO Wong Ngit Leong. The couple declined to speak to the media after the acquittal.

Madam Tan recently settled a civil claim, for unspecified damages for 'emotional and mental distress', filed by the stewardess.

The case had attracted much attention, as many were curious what the penalty will be for such an action.

Some said Madam Tan could have been acquitted with just a warning because there had been an out-of-court settlement with the stewardess.

However, many are still surprised by the court's decision. Some said this may send a wrong signal to the public.

Singapore Airlines did not directly comment on the decision of the court, but said it will continue to support its cabin crew if they are mistreated by customers. - 938LIVE/CNA/ir/ls