Hong Kong rural leader withdraws assault claims against woman, 85, who 'poked him in the face'

An 85-year-old woman who was accused of jabbing a finger in the face of rural leader Hau Chi-keung was released unconditionally by police yesterday after Hau decided not to pursue the case.

She returned to the village after the verdict - on April 10 - where she crossed paths with Hau along a narrow road. Tempers flared and Hau called police, claiming Lau jabbed a finger in his face during their heated exchange.

The Sheung Shui rural strongman said he withdrew the case because he did not want the dispute with Lau to drag on. "I don't want to be tangled in this dispute with her any more. Referring to the HK$1.41 million in compensation the court ordered him to pay Lau, he said: "Money comes and goes."

He said he still saw Lau playing mahjong every time he walked past her house, but they never spoke. Regarding claims he was bullying Lau, he said: "How could I bully her? How's that possible? Her sons are so muscular."

Hau, 59, said his face "hurt a little bit at first. But now that my anger is gone, it's fine".