A golf coach has been given a four-week suspended prison sentence for assaulting a protester outside the Fanling golf course in April.

Tong Chun-po, 57, previously pleaded guilty to assaulting a Labour Party protester outside the golf course. The protest occurred after the government launched a five-month consultation on future land use, which included an option to develop the golf course.

During the confrontation, Tong hit Labour Party member Oscar Lo in his private parts, grabbed his neck and pushed him onto he ground before leaving the scene.

Fanling golf course
Photo: Labour Party.

The footage of the assault was widely shared on social media.

Deputy Magistrate Samuel Yip Chung-him on Thursday handed Tong suspended sentence since it was his first offence, he pleaded guilty and showed remorse.

According to the prosecution, Tong said in his first meeting with the probation officer that he could not do community service as his arm was injured and he suffers from knee-joint pain.

Fanling golf course

But Tong changed his stance and said he could accept community service after lawyers explained what a community service order might entail.

The probation officer ultimately decided that Tong should not be given a community service order and the magistrate agreed.

Kris Cheng is a Hong Kong journalist with an interest in local politics. His work has been featured in Washington Post, Public Radio International, Hong Kong Economic Times and others. He has a BSSc in Sociology from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Kris is HKFP's Editorial Director.