HKSAR v. Tang Chung Kin

DCCC 14/2026

[2026] HKDC 2001

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

CRIMINAL CASE NO 14 OF 2026

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REASONS FOR SENTENCE

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1.The defendant pleaded guilty to a charge of robbery, contrary to S. 10 of the Theft Ordinance, Cap 210.

Summary of facts

2.PW1 and the defendant were both residents in the same building on the 5/F and 17/F respectively.

3.On 18 September 2025, at about 9 pm, PW1 was walking along the corridor on the 5/F when the defendant suddenly pushed her from behind to cause her to fall onto the floor. The defendant snatched her gold necklace and her mobile phone.

4.PW1 shouted for help. Her son and her neighbor came out from their flats to subdue the defendant.

5.As a result of the incident, PW1 sustained injuries on her left knee, pain on her right ankle and redness on her neck. The defendant sustained injuries on his lip and forehead. 

6.Police arrived and arrested the defendant for the offence of robbery. The defendant said under caution that he committed the offence due to gambling debts and wanted to alleviate his debts by robing PW1, as he had no money to provide financial support to his family for 2 - 3 months.

Background of the defendant

7.He is 50 years of age with a clear record, married with no children. His wife lives in China. The defendant lives with his mother (72 years old) in a public housing estate.

8.The defendant lost his stable job as a kitchen worker due to Covid-19 pandemic, but he was able to find a part time job with a daily wage of $1,000.

9.However, the defendant engaged in online gambling and lost all his earnings, started to accumulate debts and was unable to contribute his financial support to his family.

10.In the end, he committed the present offence.

11.His mother is devasted since he committed the present offence. All his family members said that the defendant is the main carer of their mother who suffers from long term illness and requires the defendant to take care of her.

Sentence

12.The maximum sentence for an offence of robbery is life imprisonment.

13.In the present case, there is no sentencing guideline for an offence for unarmed robbery.

14.In mitigation, I was informed that the defendant committed the present offence due to mounting pressure of financial needs, but that is not a mitigation factor to be considered.  When the defendant committed the present offence, he should have known the consequences he would have to face.

15.In passing sentence, I take into account of the following facts that: -

(a)  The victim was confronted by one robber.

(b)  No weapon was used.

(c)  The robbery was committed in a public place.

(d)  The violence used was one push from behind and used force to snatch the mobile phone and a gold necklace.

(e)  The stole properties were recovered.

(f)  The victim suffered minor injuries.

(g)  The defendant has a clear record.

16.With all this information in mind, I take a starting point of 3 years 3 months, reduce the sentence by 1/3, it comes down to 2 years 2 months.

17.The defendant is order to serve a sentence of 2 years 2 months.