Hong Kong man remanded to psychiatric facility after admitting attack inside courtroom

A man has been remanded to a psychiatric facility after he admitted rushing towards a judge and attacking a court clerk during a divorce hearing.

Ng Ho-wan, 42, threw a computer monitor before dashing towards Deputy Judge Pang Ka-kwong on March 19, Eastern Court heard yesterday. Ng, whom the court heard had a history of psychiatric problems, then punched the Family Court clerk twice in the head when he tried to intercept the defendant.

He later slapped a policeman in the chest before eventually being subdued by officers, one of whom had to spray Ng with pepper foam three times, the court heard.

Ng pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage, one of common assault and another of assaulting a police officer.

He was told to remain at Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre until his sentencing on November 12.

In mitigation, his lawyer, Joe Luk, said Ng was under immense pressure and mental stress on the day because he had to sit through the divorce hearing with his wife.