HKSAR v. Cheng Chiu Kong

HCCC 285/2017

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE

CRIMINAL CASE NO 285 OF 2017

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Transcript of the Audio Recording
of the Sentence in the above Case

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COURT:

The defendant has pleaded guilty to one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug in the magistrates’ court and he is committed to this court for sentence.

The Summary of Facts reveals the following.

On 6 February 2017, the defendant was intercepted by police officers. Upon search, 68.7 grammes of cocaine was found. Under caution, the defendant told the police that the cocaine was for his own consumption and that he had obtained the drug from an unknown female.

The retail value of the drug was estimated in the range of HK$67,000.

By pleading guilty to the charge, the defendant now accepts that the drug found on him was for trafficking.

The defendant is 23 and worked as a decoration worker, making $15,000 per month. He has two previous criminal records, one related to drug. It was submitted in mitigation that with a view to feed his drug consumption, the defendant committed the present offence.

Guideline on sentencing is clear. The starting point for trafficking in 68.7 grammes of cocaine is one of 8½ years’ imprisonment. Apart from the defendant’s plea at the earliest opportunity, I do not see any other mitigating circumstances. With the above in mind and for the offence the defendant has pleaded guilty to, he is therefore sentenced to 5 years and 8 months’ imprisonment.