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A 57-year-old man was given a sentence of two months' imprisonment suspended for two years plus a fine of $4,955 in the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (July 19) upon conviction of assaulting two Tobacco Control Inspectors (TCIs) and obstructing a public officer in the exercise of his duty. He was also fined $1,500 for a smoking offence.
The incident took place at Shui Wo Street Market in Kwun Tong on May 4. The man assaulted two TCIs when a team of inspectors was inspecting the premises. He was subsequently arrested and charged by the Police.
A spokesman for the Department of Health urged the public to observe the smoking ban requirements and to co-operate with law enforcement officers.
"Intimidation or use of violence on enforcement officers is a serious offence and carries serious legal consequences," the spokesman said.
As of today, there have been four cases of assaulting TCIs in 2013. Since 2007, 51 cases have been recorded and 10 out of 38 offenders convicted of assaulting TCIs have been sentenced to immediate imprisonment. The maximum penalty meted out by the court was immediate imprisonment for four months.
Ends/Friday, July 19, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:28
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