4 Jailed for Violent Attack on Hong Kong Pro-democracy Legislator

Reuters, Feb 12, 2007-

HONG KONG (Reuters) – A Hong Kong judge jailed on Monday four men for a violent attack that broke the nose of a pro-democracy legislator, and said a more sinister motive for the assault in a crowded McDonald’s restaurant was still hidden.

The men, who admitted last week a conspiracy to wound with intent Albert Ho, the chairman of the city’s Democratic Party, were sentenced to four years and eight months in jail.

Ho was clubbed using wooden batons in the crowded restaurant in the Central business district in August last year in a case that shocked the Hong Kong public.

He was hospitalised for several days with serious injuries, including the broken nose.

“This was a cowardly, unprovoked attack,” district court judge Kevin Browne said in passing sentence. “It was extremely fortuitous that more serious harm did not come to him.”

One of the four men, Leung Kwan-ping, told the court earlier that he had paid the other three men and orchestrated the attack out of vengeance after Ho refused to help him apply for social welfare.

But Browne dismissed Leung’s claims as “inherently incredible,” saying the timing of the attack and its audacious nature indicated a more sinister motive lay behind the attack.

Browne added it was clear that the four assailants had resolved not to disclose the identity of a “mastermind” who had ordered the brazen assault.

Ho has linked the attack to his work as a solicitor on cases which may have infringed upon the interests of triads — or organised crime syndicates.

Hong Kong police officials said they respected the court’s judgement and would continue to investigate the case. (original from Reuters’ report )

Related:
- Prominent Hong Kong Democrat Attacked After Protest, Epoch Times Hong Kong Staff, Aug 21, 2006
- In attack on legislator, Hong Kong takes a hit, The New York Times, August 24, 2006