********************************************************
A 62-year-old man was convicted by the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (July 5) of assaulting a Tobacco Control Inspector (TCI). He was sentenced to four weeks in prison and fined $500 for each offence - smoking in a banned place, failing to produce an identity card and dumping litter in a public place.
The incident took place at Diamond Hill Station Public Transport Interchange in Wong Tai Sin on February 12. The man assaulted the TCI after being asked to produce his identity card for the issue of a fixed penalty notice for the smoking offence. The man fled the scene, but was subsequently arrested and charged by the Police.
A spokesman for the Department of Health urged the public to observe smoking ban requirements and to co-operate with law enforcement officers.
"Intimidation or use of violence against enforcement officers is a serious offence and carries serious legal consequences," the spokesman said.
Ends/Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:33
NNNN
