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Smoker sentenced for intimidation of Tobacco Control Inspectors

11 Dec 2008

Kwun Tong Magistracy today (December 11) ordered a 64-year-old man to perform 120 hours of community service for possession of offensive weapons and intimidating Tobacco Control Inspectors of the Department of Health (DH).

The incident took place on October 31 this year when the man was found smoking in a non-smoking area by a team of Tobacco Control Inspectors in the market of Lok Fu Shopping Centre in Wong Tai Sin.

The man, holding a knife, intimidated and refused to co-operate with the officers when asked to provide his personal particulars. He was subsequently arrested and charged by Police.

The man was also fined $1,000 by the magistracy for one count of smoking offence.

A DH spokesman urged the public to observe smoking prohibitions and to co-operate with law enforcement officers.

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