A CHURCH minister found guilty of a sex attack on a former colleague says he has learned a lesson about relationships. Baptist Church pastor David Ngai Kung-ming, 41, was convicted yesterday of indecently assaulting the woman on Kowloon Peak. But he was acquitted of committing a similar attack earlier the same night at his home. Magistrate Julia Livesey fined Ngai $8,000. Outside Kwun Tong Court, Ngai maintained his innocence and said he would appeal against the conviction. 'Being a pastor, my case will affect many people. I'm sorry for the incident,' he said. 'But please don't criticise me because of my position as a pastor.' On the court's decision, Ngai said: 'I accept the arrangements by God as well as instructions. 'I did inappropriately invite a woman to my home. But I've learned a lot. I will be more careful in my relationships with friends and female colleagues in future.' Ngai, chief executive of World Vision Hong Kong, has been suspended from duty until his appeal. Last night, World Vision's chairman Daniel Tse Chi-wai said the organisation felt deep regret over the case. Ngai's work would be shouldered by a senior member of staff in the meantime, Mr Tse said. It is understood Ngai's monthly salary of $60,000 and his pension have been frozen. Ngai joined World Vision in November 1989. His future in the church is also in doubt, although church officials refused to comment. The court heard Ngai invited the 27-year-old woman, a colleague who had just left the welfare organisation, to a farewell dinner at his home in February. Ngai said romantic eye contact drove him to French-kiss the woman. He offered to drive her home but instead took her to Kowloon Peak, where he indecently assaulted her by French-kissing her and fondling her breasts. Passing judgment, Ms Livesey said it had not been an easy case. She had considered four character references for Ngai, including one by Executive Councillor and Housing Authority chairman Rosanna Wong Yick-ming. But Ms Livesey said the testimonies related to Ngai's public work rather than his private life. On the allegations, she told Ngai: 'I find it surprising with the reputation and position you have.' Ms Livesey said she believed the meeting was of a social and business nature, not a date between the two. She acquitted Ngai of the assault charge at his home because she could not be certain about his intentions during that first approach. But she said it was perfectly clear the woman had rejected his advances through her actions and words during the first kiss. The man's approach at Kowloon Peak was therefore not welcome. The women's affairs committee of the Confederation of Trade Unions last night said the 'light sentence' on Ngai would not deter potential sex offenders.
