Construction worker in bestiality case banned from further contact with dogs

Chung Lin-fai, 58, was released on bail but apprehended again after punching photographer outside court

PUBLISHED : Friday, 10 February, 2017, 2:46pm

ntEmail

A construction worker accused of committing buggery with a female mongrel last week was on Friday banned from having contact with dogs and released on bail, only to be taken away by police again after punching a photographer.

Wearing a green parka and camouflage trousers, with his greying hair cut short, Chung Lin-fai, 58, looked around the courtroom as the charge of one count of bestiality was read out to him at West Kowloon Court.

The prosecution alleged that he committed buggery with a female cream-coloured mongrel in Tung Chung on February 1.

“[I] understand,” the tanned man replied, his expression blank.

The court did not take a plea.

Acting principal magistrate Cheang Kei-hong adjourned the case for eight weeks to April 7 at the prosecution’s request for DNA test results.

Chung was released on HK$2,500 bail, on condition that he stay in Hong Kong, surrender his travel documents, and refrain contact with dogs.

He was also prohibited from coming within 1km of Wong Lung Ravine at Wong Lung Hang Road in Tung Chung, where the offence allegedly took place.

Prosecutors did not object to bail.

But Chung was taken away by police in just about 30 minutes after leaving the court building, following his attack on an Apple Daily photographer, who was among a dozen journalists taking pictures of him.

The photographer fell and suffered a nosebleed. He was later sent to Caritas Medical Centre.

Chung broke into a run as soon as he was out of court and covered himself with his parka.

But he did not leave straight away as he was seen picking up a large rock and burying his head in nearby planters, before slumping to the ground every few steps as he walked on.

Hong Kong Press Photographers Association expressed extreme anger and condemned the attack.

“Any violent attacks targeting journalists cannot be accepted,” the statement said while demanding police to handle the case strictly.

Bestiality is punishable by 10 years’ imprisonment and a HK$50,000 fine.