Alleged Police Brutality Victim Jailed For Assault

A 62-year-old man who was allegedly the victim of police brutality while in custody in hospital last year was sentenced to six months in prison on Saturday for assaulting an officer and another person.

Chung Chi-wah was arrested last June for injuring an officer and a bystander in Sheung Shui while drunk.

Following his arrest at Tin Ping Estate he was sent to a psychiatric ward in North District Hospital.

CCTV footage appeared to show police officers punching his genitals, prodding him with batons and slapping his face, all while he was tied down.

Chung had said that he suffered a torn ligament in his hand, multiple bruises, and had been left bleeding from the mouth.

Appearing in court himself, he pleaded guilty at Fanling Magistracy to assault and expressed remorse for his actions.

During mitigation he promised never to drink again and said he and his family are still under a great deal of stress after being mistreated by police at the hospital.

Three officers have been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and misconduct in public office over the alleged attack on Chung. It is not known if and when they will go on trial.