An 81-year-old man who attacked "Long Hair" Leung Kwok-hung with a chisel was praised by a magistrate at Eastern court yesterday for "loving society."

Wong Sum-kau had admitted assault causing bodily harm before magistrate Cheang Kei-hong.

The attack happened outside the Liaison Office in Sai Ying Pun on April 16 when Leung was being interviewed after a protest. He was sent to hospital with a scratch on his waistline.

Wong said he acted out of righteousness as he verbally attacked against other activists.

"One is Ted Hui Chi-fung, another is Joshua Wong Chi-fung - both have to die sooner or later," Wong said. "I can't bear anyone destroying our Chinese land ... Even if it wasn't Leung Kwok-hung but the emperor I would put him out."

Wong also told Cheang: "You can handle me by strictly following the rules. I did it for the sake of everybody."

He also said his real age is 83.

After watching footage of the crime, Cheang said Wong looked fit.

Wong responded: "I used to live in poverty in my home town. There were many snakes and I ate plenty of snake soup and congee."

Cheang also said Wong "loves society" and had attacked Leung due to a difference of political opinion. And he noted Leung was not hurt seriously.

He cited a case when a defendant convicted of the same offense was handed two months in prison. But it was changed to 160 hours of community service upon appeal.

So Cheang adjourned sentencing to October 13 for a report about community service, but he warned that Wong could go to prison before releasing him on HK$500 bail.

Leung said he didn't know Wing he was so old.

"It's very sad to put an elderly man in his 80s in jail," he said. "I understand the magistrate wouldn't want to give him such a sentence."

jane.cheung@singtaonewscorp.com

Wong Sum-kau says he acted out of righteousness when he attacked 'Long Hair' Leung Kwok-hung. SING TAO

Old man gets court praise for attack on 'Long Hair'