Hong Kong police officer assaulted female colleague during illegal late-night dinner party in drunken row over alcohol
- Pair had to be separated by others after policewoman mocked veteran sergeant’s inability to drink
- Group of 10 officers fined after breaking ban on more than four people gathering in public
A veteran police sergeant has admitted assaulting a junior officer in a drunken row over alcohol when he and nine colleagues broke the law on gathering in public, after they met for dinner in Hong Kong.
David Leung Kwok-wing was among 10 officers fined for meeting at a restaurant in Yuen Long in the early hours of April 19, three weeks after the government banned more than four people gathering in public as part of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, Tuen Mun Court heard on Tuesday.
The prosecution said the 40-year-old sergeant, who has been suspended, was there to bid farewell to policewoman So Ling-nga, 31. So was about to leave the force.
During the meeting, So offered Leung a glass of wine, but he said he could not have any more, because he was already drunk. The policewoman made fun of his inability to drink alcohol, triggering a fierce dispute that required the others in the group to intervene.
But Leung then charged towards So and grabbed her by her hair for 10 seconds, until he was stopped by three other officers. The policewoman suffered swelling on her head, as well as scratches to her arms.
Leung pleaded guilty to one count of common assault before Magistrate Kelly Shui on Tuesday, having initially denied the accusation under caution and during a police investigation.
