Au Nok-hin Gets Community Service For Police Attacks

Pro-democracy activist and ousted lawmaker Au Nok-hin was on Friday given 140 hours of community service for assaulting police with a loudhailer during a protest, in one instance hurting an officer's ears by speaking too loudly through the device.

In the other incident during a standoff between protesters and police in Yau Ma Tei on July 8 last year, Au struck an officer's shield with the loudhailer three times.

The look on Au's face at the time led the officer to fear a violent attack, the court had been told.

The activist had denied the charges, but was found guilty at Kowloon City Court earlier this month.

In sentencing, magistrate Leung Ka-kie said she decided on the punishment after carefully considering a positive community service report on Au, that he is remorseful and has been cooperative, and the fact that this is his first conviction.

Before going into court on Friday, the activist said he believes he is not guilty. He urged the people of Hong Kong to "speak the truth" in light of "difficult times for the rule of law".

He later said that he is planning an appeal against the conviction.

Au was one of 15 prominent pro-democracy figures arrested last Saturday and charged with organising and joining unauthorised anti-government protests last year. The 15, who also include barristers Martin Lee and Margaret Ng, and media tycoon Jimmy Lai, are due in court next month.