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Hong Kong

Man who slapped activist outside court sentenced to community service

A man who slapped a pro-independence activist outside court in June was sentenced to 120 hours of community service yesterday, after withdrawing a claim that he was unfit for physical work.

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Chan attacked Billy Chiu Hin-chung outside the Eastern Court before the hearing on Chiu's barracks break-in case. Photo: Dickson Lee
Chris Lau

A man who slapped a pro-independence activist outside court in June was sentenced to 120 hours of community service yesterday, after withdrawing a claim that he was unfit for physical work.

Chan Ngok-yuen, 59, smiled and waved as he left court holding a bouquet of flowers, apparently given to him by his supporters, some of whom had flown in from the mainland.

Chan last month pleaded guilty to one count of common assault in Eastern Court, close to where he slapped activist Billy Chiu Hin-chung on June 19.

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The attack took place when Chiu, the founder of pro-independence group Hongkongese Priority, chanted slogans and waved banners with his supporters before entering the building for a hearing. Chiu was sentenced on that day for trespassing in the People's Liberation Army barracks in Central last year.

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The activist was slapped twice on his left cheek, causing him to lose balance and fall to the ground. He was sent to hospital for a medical check-up after being sentenced to two weeks in jail, suspended for 12 months.

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