Security officer claims trial to charges over dispute with delivery rider

An Alexandra Central Mall security officer accused of using criminal force against a food delivery rider outside the building and two others who intervened has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

- Samuel Devaraj

Sandhu D.S., 74, allegedly got into a dispute with Mr Eric Tan Chee Keong, who had parked his e-bike outside a restaurant on the ground floor on Aug 21, 2022.

Sandhu is accused of grabbing Mr Tan's left upper arm and pushing another delivery rider and an unknown man without grave and sudden provocation.

He faces a fourth charge for disturbing public peace by fighting with Mr Tan.

Sandhu claimed trial to the four charges.

Mr Tan was sentenced to one week's jail for his role in the dispute on June 21, 2023. He pleaded guilty to a charge of disturbing public peace, while a charge of using criminal force was taken into consideration during his sentencing.

Returning to court on Oct 2 as a prosecution witness in the trial against Sandhu, he said he had parked his e-bike outside John's Pizzeria & Bakery to collect an order. He said the security officer pushed him after he uttered a vulgarity.

On the second day of the trial on Oct 3, Sandhu - who is represented by Mr Vigneesh Nainar and Mr Raj Joshua Thomas, president of the Security Association Singapore and a Nominated MP - took the stand to recount his version of events.