A FINANCIAL journalist got into a tiff with a cabby who did not have change for a $50 note in October last year.

Andrew Bevan Jones, 35, of Dow Jones, then punched cabby Irwan Shah Saharim, 33, in the nose, at the driveway of Block 3C of East Point Green Condominium in Simei Street 3 at about 5.30am that day.

Mr Irwan was treated at Changi General Hospital as an outpatient for a fractured nasal bridge.

On Tuesday, Jones was fined $1,000 after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

A district court heard that both men could not agree to drive to a 7-Eleven store to get change for the $25 fare and when Jones tried to leave the cab, Mr Irwan Shah stopped him. Jones then punched the cabby. Both men then started arguing again as Mr Irwan Shah tried to claim money from Jones to consult a doctor.

Neighbours awakened by the shouting match called security. Two guards arrived and managed to calm down Jones, who by then had paid Irwan $50.

As Jones was waiting for the lift to return to his unit, Mr Irwan shouted: 'You bastard, you better watch your back. I know where you live.'

Jones immediately turned around and another bout of pushing and shoving ensued, during which Mr Irwan fell. A security guard persuaded Jones to go home.

Jones told police that he drank about four glasses of beer at a pub before he boarded the taxi. Asking the court for leniency, lawyer P.E. Ashokan said that Jones has been working here since October 2006 and has never got into trouble before.

He also said that Jones had offered to pay the fare with his credit card or get change from his apartment but Mr Irwan refused both options.

Mr Ashokan also said that it was rather surprising that the cabby, having worked all night, did not have sufficient change.

Agreeing, District Judge F.G. Remedios said that a jail term in this case would not be appropriate.