The defendant Man Kim-wai earlier appeared in the Eastern Magistrates’ Court and was convicted of trespassing a tenement under the control and management of public department on November 1, 2021.

In mitigation, the defense pointed to Man’s positive background report in which the probation officer believed the accused had shown remorse. Man now also understands how precious his freedom is after having spent two weeks in custody, the defense noted.

In a mitigation letter penned himself, Man acknowledged it was foolish and reckless of him to use a fake app over privacy concerns, resulting in a loophole in the fight against Covid.

Man also promised he would never again break and challenge the law, hoping the court would give him a second chance.

Judge Edward Wong Ching-yu noted the serious nature of the case but accepted Man had already shown remorse, as shown by the background report and mitigation letter.

After retrieving a community service report for Man, Wong today passed down the 160-hour order.