Hong Kong court acquits police officer of indecent assault charge after accuser’s testimony rejected

A Hong Kong court has acquitted a police officer of indecent assault charges after dismissing the accuser's testimony. The 41-year-old officer, Ng Ka-wai, pleaded not guilty during his appearance at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Court on Friday. Prosecutors alleged that Ng touched the thigh of a female informant and opened a nude photo of her without her consent at Tsim Sha Tsui Police Station on December 20.

The accuser had initially reported being blackmailed with nude photos and defrauded of HK$1.6 million. Ng was asked to assist the accuser in giving a statement regarding the blackmail incident.

However, Magistrate Arthur Lam rejected the accuser's testimony, citing inconsistencies between her oral statements and written statements. For instance, the accuser told the court she only became aware of a "View Once" nude photo being opened after retrieving her phone from Ng. The defense pointed out that her written statement indicated he showed her the photos and commented on them while viewing them.

Lam deemed the accuser's explanations unconvincing, ruling that Ng was not guilty of the charge. The court also awarded him legal costs. In Hong Kong, a conviction for indecent assault can result in up to 10 years in prison.