Tutor Tay Puay Leng, also known as Zheng Peiling, 38, was fined S$1,200 for using abusive words with the intent to cause alarm.

Tay’s partner, tuition centre director Chow Chuin Yee, 45, was fined S$1,500 for using criminal force on an elderly man by using his body to forcefully barge into him in his back.

Toa Payoh hawker centre fracas

The couple were involved in a fracas at Toa Payoh hawker centre on April 21, where they were caught on video intimidating an elderly man.

The victim is a 76-year-old man. The incident caused widespread public outrage after it was shared online.

They were back in court on Friday, Aug. 11, where they gave their pleas to the charges against them.

After the pair received their respective sentences, they made a public apology outside the court when interviewed by the media.

"Disgusted with myself"

For this four months, my life has changed. It's been very, very difficult. I've not been able to do my daily routine. I've been pointed fingers everywhere I go, I've been trying to keep a very low profile. And I'm just lost that day, after receiving a distress call from [inaudible].

We've been through a lot of family issues and I'm very protective over her.

There's not excuse for my behaviour, even after watching the video, I feel disgusted with myself. Really we would like to apologise not only to Mr Ng, but to the public and netizens that my behaviour has tarnished Singaporeans.

[related_story]

Tearful apology

I just want to say I'm really sorry to uncle, but I really didn't mean to.

I just learn that day, because I've been going through a very tough time being a sole caretaker to my grandmother who is 89 years old, who has dementia and is bedridden.

She has been in and out of the hospital during that period several times. All I hoped was just to have a quick dinner and go back to take care of her.

I really did not mean to say that. I was hoping that I could say sorry to uncle in person but because the investigation was going on, the police did not allow me to do that. For all I could ask was to pass my apology letter to the IO hoping that it would be passed to uncle. If I can, I would gladly apologise to him in person.

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