Man sentenced for assaulting Tobacco Control Inspectors
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The incident took place at Tuen Mun Park on October 15, 2016. The man assaulted three TCIs when a team of inspectors was inspecting the venue. He was subsequently arrested and charged by the Police.
He was also fined $1,000 for obstructing a public officer in the exercise of his duty and $1,500 for a smoking offence.
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 against enforcement officers is a serious offence and carries serious legal consequences," the spokesman said.
There were seven cases of assaulting TCIs in 2016. Since 2007, 77 cases have been recorded and 19 out of 67 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/Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Issued at HKT 15:15
Issued at HKT 15:15
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