14 November 2014
Three men were given heavier sentences at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Court for assaulting a Tobacco Control Inspector (TCI) following an application for review by the prosecution. Two men, aged 47 and 49 respectively, were sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment suspended for 18 months plus a fine of $5,000, while the third man, aged 45, was sentenced to four weeks' imprisonment suspended for 12 months plus a fine of $3,000.
The incident took place at Lei Muk Shue Shopping Centre in Tsuen Wan on April 8, 2014. The three men assaulted a TCI as a team of inspectors was inspecting the premises. They were subsequently arrested and charged by the Police. They were fined $1,000 to $2,000 on April 25. The prosecution considered that the fine sentences were manifestly inadequate and applied for review of sentences.
A spokesman for the Department of Health urged the public to observe the smoking ban requirements and to co-operate with law enforcement officers.
"Intimidation or use of violence on enforcement officers is a serious offence and carries serious legal consequences," the spokesman said.
As of today, there have been eight cases of assaulting TCIs in 2014. Since 2007, 63 cases have been recorded and 14 out of 53 offenders convicted for assaulting TCIs were sentenced to immediate imprisonment. The maximum penalty meted out by the court was immediate imprisonment for four months.