HKSAR v. Ko Wai Lun and Others

DCCC1144/2010

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

CRIMINAL CASE NO. 1144 OF 2010

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Reasons for Sentence

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1.You three defendants have each pleaded guilty to a charge of robbery, contrary to section 10 of the Theft Ordinance, Cap.210, Laws of Hong Kong, the particulars being that you, on 16 August 2010, at the Playground at Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, robbed So Hiu-shan and Yan Ching-lam of two wallets, a packet of cigarettes, two Octopus cards, two Hong Kong Identity Cards, two Hang Seng Bank ATM cards, one HSBC ATM card, one Home Visit Permit and cash of HK$700.

2.The brief facts which you have each agreed indicate that very early in the morning of 16 August  at Victoria Park you three stood very close to the two victims, young ladies, who were in the park chatting. 

3.It was you, D1, who suddenly approached one of the victims and snatched from her two purses and a packet of cigarettes, whilst you, D2, grabbed her neck from behind.  Meanwhile, you, D3, grabbed the other victim by the neck and pulled her down onto the ground from the swing upon which she was sitting.

4.After the struggle, you three left the scene, taking with you the two purses which contained the cards and money itemised in the charge.

5.The three of you were later on stopped and searched by the police in Spring Garden Lane in Wanchai when one of the purses stolen together with the packet of cigarettes was found on you, D1, whilst the other purse was found on you, D3.  The money contained in the purses was divided between you and the other items, such as the cards, etc., were thrown into the sea.

6.Whilst it is right to say that as far as robberies go this comes at the lower end of the scale, no weapon was used and nobody, very fortunately, was hurt, but having said that, it is still a robbery which these courts treat extremely seriously.

7.Mr Morley on behalf of the 1st accused is absolutely right.  This is anti-social behaviour which civilised societies do not tolerate.

8.I have read in detail the probation officer’s reports and the reports from the Commissioner of Correctional Services in relation to each of you and it is abundantly clear that each of you are in need of a period of disciplinary training coupled with statutory supervision.

9.In relation to each of you, I make a Rehabilitation Order.