Dentist rebuked for drunken assault
A dentist convicted of indecent assault will be reprimanded by the Dental Council after it ruled yesterday that the offence was committed under the effect of alcohol and not directed against his patients.
Stanley Chan Koon-cheung pleaded guilty last year in Western Magistrates' Court to touching a saleswoman, who was promoting beer in Lan Kwai Fong, between her legs.
He testified that he was not a regular drinker and committed the assault after drinking a few glasses of wine at a party.
Magistrate Timothy Jenkins said in court last November that the assault was 'spontaneous' and without premeditation.
Dr Chan was sentenced to pay a fine of $6,000.
According to the Dentists Registration Ordinance, the council must hear the case of any dentist convicted of an offence punishable by imprisonment. The harshest punishment is the revocation of the dentist's licence.
Dr Chan's lawyer, Eric Cheung, submitted mitigating evidence on behalf of the dentist and told the council that his case should be given extra consideration because he did not commit the assault against his patients or colleagues.
'It is not a dishonesty case and it does not affect Dr Chan's [ability to] carry out his professional duties,' Mr Cheung said.
Mr Cheung presented a letter of good conduct written by another doctor and said the fact that Mr Chan pleaded guilty showed his willingness to accept the consequences of his actions.
Council chairman Jeffrey Tsang Yick-sang said that considering the assault was out of Dr Chan's usual character, the council ruled he be reprimanded and his case be published in its gazette.
'We accept the mitigation on the basis that Dr Chan committed the assault under the effect of alcohol and the assault was not connected to his professional practice,' Dr Tsang said.
