Man pleads not guilty to assault on boy, 13, at Hong Kong Islamic learning centre
- Shahzad Khan, 35, denies inflicting grievous bodily harm on boy last August during lesson at centre in Quarry Bay
- Khan slapped the 13-year-old’s back, hands, face five times, and punched his glasses
An unemployed man has pleaded not guilty to slapping a 13-year-old boy who ended up suffering from a detached retina after the alleged assault at an Islamic learning centre.
Shahzad Khan, 35, denied inflicting grievous bodily harm to the boy in August last year during a Koran lesson at a centre in Quarry Bay, the Eastern Court heard on Thursday.
Principal Magistrate Ivy Chui Yee-mei asked about the defence’s argument against the prosecution allegation that Khan had slapped the boy’s back, hands and face five times and punched his glasses.
Hong Kong religion teacher charged with slapping boy, 13, during lesson
“The defendant did not touch or hit the victim, is that your case?” Chui asked his defence.
Counsel for the defence said Khan did not have any physical contact with the boy and that the trial would centre on two video recordings showing interviews with police by the defendant, as well as a WhatsApp audio message he sent to one of the prosecution witnesses.
The prosecution said six witnesses, including the boy, who is expected give evidence remotely, would be called.
The defence said that Khan’s defence will be handled by lawyer Richard Donald.
A court charge sheet showed Khan was the holder of a recognisance form – a temporary immigration document that gives the right to live, but not work, in Hong Kong.
Chui adjourned the case until May 7.
Khan was arrested on August 11 last year after the boy’s family made a complaint to police.
The force earlier said the boy suffered eye injuries and had to have treatment at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Chai Wan on August 8.
