A 37-year-old man was sentenced to four weeks' imprisonment suspended for one year in the Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (August 30) upon conviction for assaulting a Tobacco Control Inspector (TCI). Another 28-year-old man involved in the case was fined $2,000 upon conviction for obstructing a public officer in the exercise of his duty.

The incident took place at an Amusement Game Centre in Sai Wan Ho on May 28, 2013. A man assaulted a TCI and another man obstructed another TCI when both inspectors were inspecting the premises. Both of the men were 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 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 six cases of assault in 2013. Since 2007, 53 cases have been recorded and 10 out of 39 offenders convicted for assaulting TCIs have been sentenced to immediate imprisonment. The maximum penalty meted out by the court was immediate imprisonment for four months.