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HCCC243/2010
IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE
HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION
COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE
CRIMINAL CASE NO. 243 OF 2010
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HKSAR |
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v. |
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Chan Wai-chung |
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| Before: |
Deputy High Court Judge A Chan |
| Date: |
24 February 2011 at 11.30 am |
| Present: |
Ms Eva Chan, PP, of the Department of Justice, for HKSAR
Mr John P Marray, instructed by Chong, So & Co., for the Accused |
| Offence: |
Trafficking in a dangerous drug (販運危險藥物) |
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Transcript of the Audio Recording
of the Sentence in the above Case
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COURT: The defendant pleaded guilty to one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, contrary to S4 of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.
On the material date, the defendant was intercepted by police officers outside his residence. 18.53 grammes of methamphetamine hydrochloride was found on him. Under caution, the defendant admitted that he was asked by ‘Ah Fai’ to deliver the drugs to Sham Shui Po MTR Station. In return, he would be given $1,000.
The defendant is 50 years of age, unemployed and lives on Comprehensive Social Benefit. He has total of 28 previous convictions which include one similar trafficking in a dangerous drug record.
Guidelines on sentencing are clear. The starting point for trafficking in 10 to 70 grammes of methamphetamine hydrochloride is in the band of 7 to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Given the quantity involved and the defendant’s past similar record, I am of the view that the appropriate starting point in this case is one of 7½ years’ imprisonment. The defendant will be given the usual one-third discount for his plea.
He is therefore sentenced to 5 years’ imprisonment.
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