Man Guilty Of Rioting In Tuen Mun, But Two Acquitted

The District Court on Saturday found a man guilty of rioting and assaulting a police officer during a protest outside the Tuen Mun Town Hall on National Day in 2019, but acquitted two others of joining an unlawful assembly.

Yip Ho-hin, 23, was convicted of rioting, assaulting a police officer, and possessing two cans of spray paint for unlawful purposes.

Deputy district judge Ko Wai-hung noted that Yip was wearing black and had brought along protective gear including a helmet and gas masks.

He said after the police had arrested a woman, Yip dashed towards officers at scene, with a stick-like object held high. The judge said his action had prompted other protesters to follow, adding that his intention was clearly to assault officers.

But the judge acquitted two defendants, Sin Hon-tin and Lau Cheong Pang, of joining an unlawful assembly, saying there was not enough evidence to suggest they knew what had been happening.

Yip was remanded in custody pending his sentencing set for February 22.