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Smoker convicted of criminal intimidation and assault on tobacco control inspectors

05 August 2011

A 60-year-old man was today (August 5) convicted in the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Court of criminal intimidation and assault on tobacco control inspectors (TCIs).

He was sentenced to imprisonment for six weeks for criminally intimidating two TCIs and to imprisonment of six weeks for assaulting another TCI, executed concurrently. He was also fined $1,000 for the smoking offence.

The incident took place in Green Land Court Restaurant in Tin Shui Wai on July 15, 2011. The man criminally intimidated two TCIs and assaulted another TCI when a team of inspectors was inspecting the premises. He was subsequently arrested and charged by the Police.

A spokesman for the Department of Health urged the public to observe the smoking ban requirements and to cooperate with law enforcement officers.

"Intimidation or use of violence on enforcement officers is a serious offence and carries serious legal consequences," the spokesman said.