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Hong Kong magistrate reveals he received threats before sentencing protester accused of assaulting cop with her breast

Magistrate who convicted protester of assaulting police officer with her chest says he fears for safety as he jails her for three and a half months

A magistrate who found a woman protester guilty of assaulting a police officer with her breast revealed yesterday that he had been threatened since the verdict and feared for his safety.

Deputy Magistrate Michael Chan Pik-kiu made the claims before sentencing Ng Lai-ying and three co-defendants, whom he found guilty four weeks ago, in front of a court packed with their supporters. Ng was jailed for three months and 15 days.

"I am worried about my personal safety," the magistrate said in Tuen Mun Court. But he said the threats had not made him angry or frightened him in a way that would affect his sentencing decision in the case, which centres on protests against cross-border parallel traders.

All four defendants were granted bail pending an appeal.

Chan had earlier convicted Ng, 30, of using her breast to bump against Chief Inspector Chan Ka-po at a protest in Yuen Long on March 1.

A 14-year-old boy, whose identity cannot be disclosed as he is a minor, was convicted of assaulting the same police inspector and was yesterday sentenced to a rehabilitation centre.

Ng's boyfriend, Kwong Chun-lung, 20, was sent to a training centre, while university student Poon Tsz-hang, 22, was given five months and one week in jail, after both were convicted of obstructing a police officer.

The threats against Chan came after so-called localist activists took to the High Court in Admiralty on Sunday, to voice their criticism of the verdict.

Dozens of supporters lined up outside the court yesterday an hour before the hearing began. They then packed the courtroom.

Police increased security, with about 30 officers stationed outside the court.

Six others, who appeared to be police officers but refused to answer questions, were seen taking up six of the 20 seats in the public gallery before the court was opened to the public.

The magistrate reiterated yesterday that although the police inspector had not suffered any injury, Ng's attempt to accuse the inspector of molesting her made her case serious.

"If I do not hand down a deterrent sentence, the public might mistakenly think it is a trivial matter to assault police officers during protests," he said. But he reduced Ng's term by half a month after taking into account her "positive, good character".

In sentencing Poon, Chan said the role of police was to maintain order in protests, but those who tried to cause obstructions would make their job harder.

Outside court, Kwong, looking tired, held Ng's hand and said he was glad he had regained his liberty.

A Justice Department spokesman said although residents had the right to criticise a verdict, they should not cross the legal boundary by insulting and threatening a judge. Such acts, the spokesman said, might constitute contempt of court or other offences.

The department said it took note of the magistrate's comments and follow-up action would be taken. It did not rule out the possibility of launching "judicial procedures".

 

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: 'Threats' after breast case verdict
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