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.