Fanling Magistracy sent a 55-year-old man was to jail 21 days today for assaulting Tobacco Control Inspectors.
The man assaulted two inspectors at Tai Wo Market in Tai Po on December 20. Police arrested and charged him for the assault, and for obstructing a public officer in exercising his duty. The man was also fined $1,500 for a smoking offence.
Since 2007, 57 cases of assaulting Tobacco Control Inspectors have been recorded, and 13 of 46 offenders convicted were sentenced to immediate imprisonment. The maximum penalty was four months in jail.
There have been two such cases so far this year.
