GEORGE TOWN: A cashier was fined RM1,000 by a magistrate’s court for punching and spitting at a Rapid Penang bus driver.

Magistrate Rosnee Mohd Radzuan imposed the fine after Lee Chee Wee (pic), 46, pleaded guilty to voluntarily causing hurt to the driver who had refused to pick Lee up at a non-designated stop at 7.30pm on Dec 14.

In mitigation, Lee, who was unrepresented, said he only earned RM1,600 a month and had elderly parents to care for.

The offence under Section 323 of the Penal Code carries a jail term of up to one year or a fine of up to RM2,000, upon conviction.

It was reported that Lee wanted to board the bus at the traffic lights in Lebuh Macallum but the driver refused to give in to the passenger’s request.

Lee then pried open the door and started yelling and attacking the driver.

Several passengers on board the bus broke up the fight.

The 43-year-old driver locked the doors to stop the man from escaping after the assault.

He drove to the Rapid Penang bus depot in Weld Quay where auxiliary policemen at the bus company took Lee to the Beach Street station.

A video clip of the incident, showing the man hitting the driver on his head before a scuffle took place, went viral.