Taichung parent who assaulted instructor over parking dispute ordered to pay damages

A parent in Taichung, Taiwan, who heads a biotechnology firm, has been sentenced to 20 days of detention and ordered to pay NT$30,000 in damages for assaulting a school instructor. The incident unfolded on a school morning as the parent illegally parked at the school's entrance to drop off their daughter.

When a school instructor approached to advise against the illegal parking, the parent allegedly became aggressive. The parent claimed they were only trying to communicate with the instructor because their daughter appeared frightened by the instructor's stern words. However, the parent then struck the instructor's left shoulder.

The instructor, who was reportedly maintaining traffic order at the time, filed a lawsuit. They sought NT$10,000 for medical expenses and NT$290,000 for emotional distress, citing damage to their reputation and the stress of facing inquiries from school superiors and colleagues.

While the parent admitted to pushing the instructor's shoulder, they argued the injury was minor and did not affect the instructor's physical or mental state. They also questioned the medical expenses, as no receipts were provided. The court, however, ruled that the instructor suffered emotional distress due to the assault while performing their duties. Considering the parent's position as a company executive, the court ordered the payment of NT$30,000 in compensation for emotional distress. The ruling is final.