Man who tried to attack Hong Kong magistrate charged, as court beefs up security
Screening stations introduced at Kowloon City Court manned by police and judiciary officers who check bags of arrivals for weapons
A man who tried to attack a Hong Kong magistrate who convicted him over an indecent assault case years earlier has been charged, while the court where the attempt took place has stepped up security checks.
Police said on Tuesday night the suspect had been charged with one count of attempted wounding with intent and he was expected to appear in Kowloon City Court on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old suspect attempted to attack Magistrate Edward Wong Ching-yu in the same court building while the judicial officer was hearing a case on Monday morning.
Police previously said the suspect, who has a history of mental illness, took out a knife and dashed towards the magistrate who was about 20 metres (65 feet) away. But the man was unable to get close enough to carry out the attack.
The judiciary said additional security personnel had already been deployed at the building. A Post visit found that a screening station had been set up on each floor outside the courtrooms, with security guards and judiciary staff inspecting people’s bags for any objects they deemed unsafe.
A notice posted at each courtroom entrance warned that staff members would call police if knives, saws, scissors or brass knuckles were discovered.
The judiciary said the security measures at other magistrate court buildings were expected to be enhanced gradually in the next three months or so.
