SINGAPORE – In a dispute over their children at an indoor playground, a man punched another father’s face, causing a fracture, and also hurled insulting words at him.
Wong Chun Xiong, 39, who claimed trial to one charge of voluntarily causing grievous hurt, argued that his actions were justified under the right of private defence.
But on Oct 9, he was sentenced to nine months’ jail and ordered to pay compensation of about $408. One other charge of using insulting words was considered for his sentencing.
Court documents said that on Sept 3, 2023, Wong was with his two young children and other family members at Bouncy Paradise, located within an enrichment hub at Pandan Gardens.
Wong’s son told him that he had been scolded by an adult at the playground. They then approached the 56-year-old man, who was sitting in a ball pit with his child.
When questioned by Wong, the man said Wong’s son had “hit onto his child”, stated District Judge Eugene Teo in his judgment, though it is unclear what the victim meant.
After Wong explained that it was an accident, a verbal dispute broke out. The other father jumped out of the ball pit and moved his head closer to Wong, who stepped backwards, said Judge Teo.
He added: “There was pushing, gesturing, and a punch was then thrown by (Wong) with his right fist at the left side of (the victim’s) face.”
The victim subsequently fell backwards, the judge said.
