HONG KONG — A Hong Kong police officer has been awarded a significant net sum of nearly HK$500,000 in civil damages following a 2019 assault during public unrest, with a District Court judge emphasizing the severe and lasting psychological trauma inflicted by the attack. The ruling, issued on December 4, 2025, determined that while the physical injuries sustained by Police Constable Kwok Siu-hang were minor, the resulting humiliation, distress, and subsequent damage to his family life and career warranted substantial financial compensation.
The court assessed the total damages at HK$548,000, covering pain, suffering, loss of amenity, and aggravated damages. After accounting for HK$53,000 already received through employee compensation, the net award totaled HK$495,000 against the two involved defendants, who were also ordered to cover the officer’s legal costs.
Assault Causes Profound Psychological Harm
The incident occurred on July 14, 2019, at approximately 10:15 p.m., as officers attempted to control clashes on the third floor of Phase 1 of New Town Plaza in Sha Tin. Constable Kwok was reportedly punched, kicked, and struck with various objects, including umbrellas, by protesters. Two individuals, Leung Pak-tim and Kung Chi-yuen, who had previously pleaded guilty to rioting in criminal proceedings and were sentenced to four years in prison in 2020, were named as defendants in the civil claim.
The court heard compelling evidence that the public, widely filmed nature of the attack—which left the officer with a head laceration, bruises, and abrasions—caused profound and enduring psychological distress. The widespread circulation of footage and subsequent mocking posts resulted in severe stigma for the officer and his family. The judgment specifically noted that the officer’s children suffered bullying at school, requiring the family to transfer their son and send their daughter to the mainland for studies to escape continuing harassment.
Trauma Impacts Officer’s Life and Career
Constable Kwok described persistent post-traumatic symptoms, including intense hypervigilance, particularly around individuals in black clothing or in the Sha Tin district, coupled with chronic insomnia, recurrent nightmares, severe headaches, and occasional suicidal thoughts. He sought emergency medical care and, upon returning to duty, was formally reassigned to clerical work. Further indication of the professional impact included the withdrawal of his sidearm and government license plate in August 2022.
A psychiatric evaluation classified his symptoms as moderate post-traumatic stress. Despite the severity, the expert assessment projected a positive prognosis; with continued therapy, the officer showed improvement, exhibiting a stable mood without ongoing anxiety or depression. The anticipated recovery period, during which he can continue working, is estimated to be approximately two years.
Aggravated Damages Reflect Public Scrutiny
In determining the award, District Court Judge emphasized the gravity of an on-duty officer being assaulted in a highly visible public setting, with the attack being observed by numerous onlookers and broadcast live. The judge cited the officer’s degradation and genuine fear of imminent death at the time as justification for awarding aggravated damages.
Neither defendant attended the civil proceedings. The first defendant accepted liability, leading to a judgment against him. While the second defendant acknowledged involvement, he contested the extent of his liability and the quantum of damages. However, the court utilized contemporaneous medical reports and media footage to confirm both defendants’ legal responsibility.
The judgment underscores the judiciary’s recognition of the severe, non-physical repercussions—including psychological suffering and damage to quality of life—that individuals, particularly public servants, can face as a result of violent public confrontations. This case sets a precedent for compensating for the long-term emotional and professional fallout from civil unrest incidents.