'Reporter Distressed After Run-in With Jimmy Lai'

An Oriental Daily reporter told a courtroom on Thursday that an alleged run-in with media tycoon Jimmy Lai three years ago left him needing tranquilisers and needing to consult a psychiatrist.

The Apple Daily founder has denied one charge of criminal intimidation.

The reporter, who was identified only as 'X', told West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court, that he had followed and filmed Lai for work from a distance of about seven metres, during the June 4 candlelight vigil at Victoria Park three years ago.

He said Lai approached him when the event was about to end, swore at him and told him "I would definitely find someone to mess you up, do not take pictures of me so closely".

Video footage by his colleague was also played in court, showing X replying "no we won't, rest assured."

X said he was afraid that Lai would assault him and made a report to the police that night.

He added he saw a psychiatrist three times afterwards, and had to take tranquilisers as he suffered from adjustment disorder.

X said he had often followed Lai since the Occupy protests in 2014 for work, and knew that Lai had in turn taken photos of him.

He also told the court that Lai swore at and scolded him on another occasion before the June 4 incident.

The hearing, which is expected to last for three days, is due to continue on Friday.