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Nine jailed between 35 and 48 months over PolyU siege in 2019
Nine people were jailed on Saturday for 35 and 48 months for rioting outside Polytechnic University during an attempt to “back up” protesters inside in 2019.
The nine defendants are social worker Ho Ho-shan, 22; wedding decorator Yeung Shuk-chun, 32; jobless Hui Cheuk-ling, 23; logistics worker Leung Chin-wing, 36; engineering worker Cheung Kai-hang, 27; salesman Lee Chun-hin, 23; nurse Pang Siu-hin, 24; chef Ho Kwok-Tung, 26; and clerk Li Cheong-yuen, 21.
All nine were charged with rioting on Hau Fook Street near Kimberley Road in Tsim Sha Tsui on November 19, 2019. Li had pleaded to the charge, while the other eight were convicted after a trial. They appeared in the District Court on Saturday morning as judge Clement Lee Hing-nin passed down the sentences.
Ho Ho-shan, Yeung, Hui, Cheung, and Pang were jailed for 35 months, as Judge Lee said there was no evidence that the five engaged in violent behaviors. Judge Lee referred to their background reports and added that the five were affected by the social atmosphere at the time, with their sense overridden by passion.
On the other hand, the judge said Leung, Lee Chun-hin, and Ho Kwok-tung had dealt with inflammable substances, as proved by their stained gloves, and their roles were of a serious nature. Leung and Lee were then jailed for 45 months.
As for Ho Kwok-tung, he was earlier convicted of possessing an instrument fit for illegal purposes for having a lighter, a hammer, a wrench, a saw, and pliers. He was sentenced to 48months' imprisonment for the two charges.
Judge Lee continued that although Li directly assaulted a police officer, he pleaded guilty, and his jail term was reduced by one-third to 35 months.
Judge Lee said the nine defendants have a kind heart but were way too passionate about social matters at the time. He quoted lyrics from a song by singer Chelsia Chan Chau-ha and told the defendants to wake up and build a home with happiness and warmth instead of sacrificing their youth.
All nine were charged with rioting on Hau Fook Street near Kimberley Road in Tsim Sha Tsui on November 19, 2019. Li had pleaded to the charge, while the other eight were convicted after a trial. They appeared in the District Court on Saturday morning as judge Clement Lee Hing-nin passed down the sentences.
Ho Ho-shan, Yeung, Hui, Cheung, and Pang were jailed for 35 months, as Judge Lee said there was no evidence that the five engaged in violent behaviors. Judge Lee referred to their background reports and added that the five were affected by the social atmosphere at the time, with their sense overridden by passion.
On the other hand, the judge said Leung, Lee Chun-hin, and Ho Kwok-tung had dealt with inflammable substances, as proved by their stained gloves, and their roles were of a serious nature. Leung and Lee were then jailed for 45 months.
As for Ho Kwok-tung, he was earlier convicted of possessing an instrument fit for illegal purposes for having a lighter, a hammer, a wrench, a saw, and pliers. He was sentenced to 48months' imprisonment for the two charges.
Judge Lee continued that although Li directly assaulted a police officer, he pleaded guilty, and his jail term was reduced by one-third to 35 months.
Judge Lee said the nine defendants have a kind heart but were way too passionate about social matters at the time. He quoted lyrics from a song by singer Chelsia Chan Chau-ha and told the defendants to wake up and build a home with happiness and warmth instead of sacrificing their youth.
