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Man sentenced for assaulting tobacco control inspector
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     A 55-year-old man received sentences of immediate imprisonment for 21 days each, to be executed concurrently, in the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (March 27) for two counts of assaulting a Tobacco Control Inspector (TCI) and one count of obstructing a public officer in exercise of his duty. He was also fined $1,500 for a smoking offence.

     The incident took place at Tai Wo Market in Tai Po on December 20, 2013. The smoking offender assaulted two TCIs when the inspectors were 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 two cases of assaulting TCIs in 2014. Since 2007, 57 cases have been recorded and 13 out of 46 offenders convicted for assaulting TCIs were sentenced to immediate imprisonment. The maximum penalty meted out by the court was immediate imprisonment for four months.

Ends/Thursday, March 27, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:33

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