Senior police officer jailed for indecent assault on subordinate

A senior police superintendent has been sentenced to five months and three weeks in jail for indecently assaulting a female subordinate on three separate occasions in 2024. Senior Superintendent Ian Chow received his sentence at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on Friday, though his legal team has announced an intention to appeal, and he was released on bail.

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Chow had disrespected the victim’s personal space and disregarded the fact that the police headquarters is a professional working environment.

The court heard that the assaults took place at the Hong Kong Police Force’s headquarters in Wan Chai. Chow denied the allegations, claiming he and the victim, referred to as X, were in a secret relationship. However, he was found guilty after a trial earlier this month.

During the sentencing, magistrate Vivian Ho acknowledged mitigation letters from 22 individuals, including Chow's family, girlfriend, and colleagues, who described him as filial and helpful. Despite these testimonials, Ho stated that Chow had disrespected the victim’s personal space and disregarded the professional working environment of the police headquarters. The magistrate also noted the significant negative impact on the victim's mental health, causing nightmares and avoidance of the opposite sex.

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Chow’s acts had also had a major effect on the victim’s mental health, causing her to have nightmares and avoid members of the opposite sex.

The incidents included patting the victim's buttocks in June 2024. Further assaults occurred at a colleague's farewell party in November, where Chow allegedly placed his hand on X's waist, groped her buttocks, and placed her hand on his pants while stating he was having an erection. Chow admitted to touching her waist, viewing it as normal within their alleged relationship, but X testified, denying any romantic involvement and refuting claims of holding hands in the office. The magistrate deemed Chow's defense statements "incredible and illogical."

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incredible and illogical