The teenager who was the last activist arrested during the protest against the demolition of Queen's Pier has been ordered to perform 80 hours of community service.
Eastern Court Magistrate Douglas Yau Tak-hong told Wong Wai-lung, 17, he understood Wong's motivation was not bad, but it was still a serious offence that could have put him behind bars.
Wong, who stayed perched on the roof of the pier building until police removed him, had pleaded not guilty to obstructing a policeman during a 10-hour standoff last year at the now-demolished pier. He was convicted earlier and appeared yesterday for sentencing.
Mr Yau said he had considered a custodial sentence, but opted for community service because of circumstances including Wong's age and potential financial difficulties for his mother.
The court heard earlier that Wong, formerly known as Wong Hang-chong, was one of about 30 protesters remaining at the pier when police ordered them to stop occupying government property. He had threatened to jump at one stage.
Outside court, Wong said he would consider an appeal.