******************************************************
A 36-year-old man was sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment in the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Court today (October 31) for assaulting a Tobacco Control Inspector (TCI). The man was also fined $2,000 for obstructing public officers in the exercise of their duty.
The incident took place at an amusement game centre in San Po Kong on August 29, 2013. The man assaulted a TCI 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 seven cases of assault in 2013. Since 2007, 54 cases have been recorded and 12 out of 43 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, October 31, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:18
NNNN
