Tang denounces radical protest

Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang Ying-yen has condemned the protestors who disrupted a public forum on arrangements for filling Legislative Council (LegCo) vacancies at the Science Museum on Thursday night.

The protestors forced their way into the venue and threw objects at Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Stephen Lam Sui-lung right before the forum was due to start.

Tang criticized the protestors for abusing the rights of the forum participants and disrupting what would have been a fair and rational discussion.

He said Hong Kong is a civilized society, and people should accept differing opinions and express themselves in a rational, peaceful and legal way.

Lam also censured the protestors, saying people should refrain from radical and unlawful action.

He said several doors were broken and some security guards were hurt, adding the police will investigate the incident and consider legal action.

Lam reiterated the government will evaluate all views received during the public consultation period before it decides whether there is a need to make amendments to the LegCo arrangements.

Jail for aiding rape of daughter

A 49-year-old divorcee who helped her live-in boyfriend rape her 15-year-old daughter was sentenced to seven years in prison in the High Court on Thursday.

The case, described as "appalling" by Judge Maggie Poon, took place in the woman's home in a Fan Ling estate in August 2003.

Tsang Chiu-tak, a 48-year-old odd-jobber, attempted to rape the then 15-year-old girl in the bedroom. The girl escaped from the bedroom, but the mother ordered her to go back, threatening to cut the girl's pocket money.

The case was reported this year by the now 23-year-old victim. The mother earlier pleaded guilty to the charge of aiding and abetting.

Poon said the woman's action was despicable but seven years were reduced from her jail term because she turned a prosecution witness.

Tsang received a 12-year prison sentence.

The judge said the accused was unrepentant and his refusal to plead guilty forced the victim go through the pain of testifying in court.

Cop-attacker appears in court

A 58-year-old who allegedly attacked a policeman during the emotional stress of losing his 25-year-old son appeared in Tuen Mun Magistrates' Court on Thursday, charged with wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The case was adjourned to Sept 29.

The prosecution said constable Ko Chun-sing, 25, and his colleague found 25-year-old Wong Chi-wai dead in bed at the family's flat in a Tuen Mun estate on Tuesday.

Ko remained in the flat to guard the body while his colleague went downstairs to wait for a mortuary van.

Wong's father, unable to believe his son had died, wanted to check the body but Ko refused.

The father suddenly took a knife from the kitchen and stabbed Ko in the face.

China Daily

(HK Edition 09/02/2011 page1)