AN anti-Falun Gong businessman, who staged an hour-long stand-off in court two weeks ago, meekly asked a High Court judge yesterday to free him from his two-month prison sentence.
Lee Wai-kui also gave Deputy High Court Judge Edward Woolley an undertaking that he would refrain from publishing or printing further pamphlets, addressed to ``All citizens of Hong Kong'', allegedly defaming Hotel Dynamics Ltd.
``I have now learned my lesson,'' Lee said. ``I was wrong in thinking they are such type of people, the Falun Gong. I was very wrong in my thinking, so I've promised them I will bite my lips forever.''
Mr Justice Woolley agreed to suspend Lee's sentence for contempt of court provided he complied with an interim injunction granted to Hotel Dynamics last February until the case goes to trial.
The company had claimed in court earlier this month that Lee had breached the injunction by sending faxes containing the alleged defamatory material to five hotels, including Holiday Inn Golden Mile, Park Lane, Eaton and Great Eagle.
Lee had previously worked at Park Lane but was sacked in 1999.
He said yesterday the faxes had been sent by part-time marketing students working for him, but he had dismissed them last week for fear they would do it again.
``I admit I knew what they were doing but I was definitely guilty of not preventing them from doing so for my own selfish private interests,'' Lee said.
Chaos erupted in the High Court on June 14 when Lee was found guilty of contempt. He refused to leave the courtroom, saying he would rather die than go to prison.
Bailiffs and police officers swarmed the 10th floor of the building and escorted Lee to jail as he left the court after an hour-long stand-off during which he claimed he was punched by a solicitor.
Lee had protested, claiming the judge's order was a travesty of justice and that he should not be punished for his personal beliefs concerning the Falun Gong.
Hotel Dynamics is claiming unspecified damages from Lee for alleged defamation.