Officer denies assault on photographer

A police inspector denied assaulting a newspaper photographer during a visit by Governor Chris Patten to three temporary housing areas in Kowloon Bay.

Anthony Dickson, 23, accuses Inspector John Gearing of assaulting him, causing actual bodily harm, on September 28.

Dickson was acquitted last week of obstructing Gearing in the execution of his duty.

Yesterday Dickson took his allegation against Gearing, 24, to court through a private prosecution. The case was fixed for July 16.

The inspector faces up to three years' jail if convicted.