SINGAPORE – A 36-year-old Singaporean man, Ronald Koh, is on trial following an altercation on February 26, 2024, on the left road shoulder of the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) towards Changi after the Sims Way exit. Koh faces two charges: biting off part of Mr. Fabian Quak Wei Quan’s ear and voluntarily causing hurt to Mr. Quak Beng Gim by hitting his back and stepping on his foot.
FATHER TESTIFIES
Mr. Quak Beng Gim, 63, testified in Mandarin that the incident began when a van sounded its horn at Koh’s motorcycle, which Mr. Quak claimed had cut into his lane. Mr. Quak responded by sounding his own horn, and alleges Koh then gestured at him. A verbal dispute ensued after Mr. Quak’s son asked the motorcyclist what he wanted, with Mr. Quak’s son reportedly using vulgar language.
Mr. Quak testified that Koh signaled him to stop, and he pulled over feeling “very nervous.” A scuffle broke out between his son and Koh, during which Mr. Quak’s son told him that Koh had bitten his ear. Mr. Quak and his son then held onto Koh to prevent him from leaving. Mr. Quak stated his son was bleeding profusely and asked him to retrieve the piece of ear flesh, which was found near a drain and wrapped in tissue.
The pair then went to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. Mr. Quak explained they went to that hospital because his house was nearby and his son’s spectacles had been crushed during the fight, requiring a replacement pair. He also discovered a bruise on his torso after returning home, and noted his foot was swollen, suggesting it had been stepped on.
ACCUSED CROSS-EXAMINES THE FATHER
Koh, who is conducting his own defense after discharging his lawyers, cross-examined Mr. Quak. He questioned Mr. Quak about his driving, alleging he sped up and tailgated the motorcycle. Koh also claimed the video evidence was edited and questioned why Mr. Quak’s in-car camera was off when he exited the vehicle, to which Mr. Quak responded it turned off automatically when the engine was off.
Koh alleged he did not gesture for Mr. Quak to stop and claimed he was attacked by both Mr. Quak and his son, stating they punched him, tore his visor, and ripped his jacket. He also stated he recalled someone saying, “no one is getting out of this alive.” When asked directly if he bit off Mr. Quak’s son’s ear, Koh said, “I’m sorry but I do not think that I am the one who bit off the ear intentionally.” He claimed he was “half-blind” during the scuffle and bit down on whatever was pushed into his mouth, suggesting the ear may have been among them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges is Ronald Koh facing?
Ronald Koh is facing two charges: causing grievous hurt by biting off part of Mr. Fabian Quak Wei Quan’s ear, and voluntarily causing hurt to Mr. Quak Beng Gim.
Where did the alleged offences take place?
The offences allegedly took place on the left road shoulder of the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) towards Changi after the Sims Way exit.
What did Mr. Quak say his son asked him to do after the alleged biting incident?
Mr. Quak testified that his son asked him to retrieve the piece of ear flesh that had been bitten off.
As the trial continues, it remains to be seen what evidence will be presented and how the court will interpret the conflicting accounts of the events that unfolded on the PIE.
