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Chris Lau

A mainlander admitted physically assaulting a senior South China Morning Post editor, but created a drama in court yesterday by challenging his victim's claims before letting the case rest.
Liu Lu, 26, was fined HK$3,000 after pleading guilty to one count of common assault, for attacking University of Hong Kong honorary lecturer Cliff Buddle, who is the Post's editor for special projects, last month.
Liu had claimed to be a student of Tsinghua University in Beijing and had hit Buddle because of the latter's use of English instead of Chinese in an HKU class, Eastern Court heard earlier.
Deputy Magistrate Lee Siu-ho ordered Liu to pay HK$3,000 by the end of the day or face a week in jail.
But since he had been held in custody for 25 days and had no cash, he would be freed after the deadline for the fine expired.
Before being taken away, Liu told Buddle he was sorry.
The court was caught in a dilemma when Liu disputed some of the prosecution's points.
His guilty plea notwithstanding, he requested a hearing to examine the extent of Buddle's injuries.
Liu asked Buddle to remove his top. "You said you were injured. If so, then show me."
Lee rejected Liu's demand on the grounds that signs of the injuries would have faded.
Liu then told the court that Buddle had attacked him. "I want to prosecute him," Liu said.
Earlier, the court heard that Liu, who said he was from Anhui, approached Buddle on October 6 as the lecturer was conducting a class on media law and ethics. Liu complained about Buddle's use of English in his teaching, hit him with a folder, and kicked him in the chest.
Buddle suffered from redness in his chest and tenderness in his right arm, the court heard.
"The court has to express its view that violence in Hong Kong is not to be tolerated," Lee warned in passing sentence.
The magistrate also stressed it was commonplace for English to be used in local universities.
Lee noted that Liu had been locked up for more than 20 days - which was a lesson to the defendant - and said a fine would be appropriate.
An official at Tsinghua's security department told the Post earlier this month that the university had conducted a thorough investigation but could find no student by the name of Liu Lu.
 
 


Mainlander who attacked senior Post editor pleads guilty to assault

Cliff Buddle was attacked by 26-year-old Liu Lu. Photos: SCMP Pictures

News

Hong Kong

A mainlander admitted physically assaulting a senior South China Morning Post editor, but created a drama in court yesterday by challenging his victim's claims before letting the case rest.
