The two men who assaulted a South China Morning Post photographer when she took pictures of parallel-goods traders in Sheung Shui were yesterday given community service sentences for their "barbarous and violent" acts.
In sentencing Cheng Shing-wing and Li Hak, who pleaded guilty to one count of common assault each, Fanling Magistrate Wong Sze-lai said their offences were "inglorious".
"The court shall deliver its clear message, that is, violence is never tolerated - such a tendency must be disparaged," Wong said.
"The use of violence must be subject to punishment."
Cheng, 52, a caterer, was sentenced to 100 hours while Li, 51, a construction worker, got 60. Wong ruled that the HK$1,000 bail money of each would be given to the photographer, May Tse, as compensation.
But internet users said the sentence was lenient, likening it to the HK$1,500 fine imposed in January on a pro-government marcher who assaulted a Now TV journalist. "Why not jail [Cheng and Li]? It's about attacking a journalist," said Facebook user Louis La Ba.