Couple charged for insulting, shoving elderly man in Toa Payoh hawker centre
Tay Puay Leng (left) and Chow Chuin Tee, the couple who caused a scene at Toa Payoh hawker centre, arriving at the State Courts on June 15, 2017. Photo: Robin Choo/TODAY
SINGAPORE — A couple caught on camera insulting and abusing an elderly man in a Toa Payoh hawker centre in April have been charged in court.
Chow Chuin Yee, 45, was charged on Thursday (June 15) with one count of causing public nuisance, and another count of using criminal force on Mr Ng Ai Hua, 76. Tay Puay Leng, 38, was charged with one count of harassment.
Chow was said to have used his body to shove Mr Ng in the back, at around 8.35pm on April 21. He also allegedly caused a ruckus at the Toa Payoh Lorong 8 hawker centre, by pushing bowls and plates off the table.
Tay allegedly used vulgar language on Mr Ng, calling him a “bloody old man”, among other things. The couple’s behaviour, caught on video by a bystander, was widely viewed after the clip was posted on Facebook. They appeared to be arguing with Mr Ng over a seat at the hawker centre.
If found guilty of using criminal force on Mr Ng, Chow could be jailed for up to three months, and/or fined up to S$1,500. He could also face a jail term of up to five months, and/or a fine of up to S$5,000 for causing a ruckus.
For harassing Mr Ng with abusive language, Tay could be jailed for up to six months, or fined up to S$5,000, or both. The couple will be back in court on July 12.
