Ah Neh FT push Cabby but its an Accident

THE death of a cabby from a severe head injury two days after he was pushed and hit his head on the ground accident.

State Coroner Victor Yeo on Monday recorded a verdict of misadventure at an inquest into the death of relief Trans Cab driver Chew Peng Choon, 62, in September 2008.

The man who had pushed him was tried and acquitted of causing his death by doing a negligent act last November. But former financial controller Arun Rajan, 30, was back in the coroner's court as a potential defendant. He elected to remain silent.

Mr Arun, who was tipsy, had vomited inside Mr Chew's cab as he was the way way home to Tampines sometime past 1.30am on Sept 27, 2008.

Mr Chew then demanded an extra $50 to clean up the mess but Mr Rajan refused to pay, sparking an argument. Mr Rajan later withdrew $50 from a convenience store at a petrol kiosk along Tampines Avenue 9.

After paying $30 for his cab fare, Mr Chew continued to ask for the cleaning charges and also tried to punch Mr Arun.

While Mr Arun was walking away, Mr Chew took an object from his tax and confronted Mr Arun, who grabbed his fist and pushed him, causing the cabby to fall backwards He died two days later in hospital of a broken skull.