A former prison officer in Hong Kong was sentenced to three years in jail on Thursday for assaulting an inmate, local media reported. Tam Lik-chung pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and perverting the course of justice in connection with the incident.

The assault took place in December 2023 at a correctional institution for young offenders where Tam was assigned to oversee a group of inmates. One of those inmates, Chiu Hei-tik, was in custody awaiting trial for a robbery case.

According to the court’s July verdict, the incident occurred after Chiu threw talcum powder at Tam during a game. Following this, Tam ordered Chiu to move to a stairwell, where he assaulted him with a wooden stick. Two other inmates reportedly held Chiu down during the attack. The assault resulted in injuries that required hospital treatment.

During the trial, Chiu testified about the incident, describing the circumstances that led to the assault. Tam, having admitted to the charges, was handed a three-year prison sentence. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of inmates within correctional facilities in Hong Kong.