Prosecutors sought a prison term of seven years and six months for the defendant, Peng Lu-sheng, on charges of attempted murder, obstruction of public duty, and vandalism.

According to the indictment, Peng accelerated his vehicle while he was surrounded by pro-independence demonstrators and TV crews filming the confrontation.

TV cameraman Wang Jui-chang, was caught underneath Peng's truck after being hig. Others, including some police officers, received minor injuries while trying to stop Peng and save the reporter.

Crowds from opposing camps were gathered outside the hall as the government-employed workers were about to remove the inscriptions -- which honored late President Chiang Kai-shek -- from the plaque on the main gate.

The prosecutors said Peng, who has been in detention since, has shown no sign of remorse.