Defendant Lin Fang-hsiung appeared in the Kwun Tong Magistrate’s Court, facing the ruling of Magistrate Gary Lam Tsz-kan due to his two counts of assault and possessing offensive weapons.

According to the court, Lin booked a taxi service from Ng, the driver, in the early morning on May 21 in Ngau Tau Kok.

The court learned that Lin suddenly asked the 49-year-old driver to stop aside the road during the ride, reaching out a metal wire to strangle Ng from the back and try to rob.

However, Ng broke free and threw Lin out of the taxi before calling the police.

In the court, Magistrate Lam judged Lin intentionally conducted the crime as he carried a metal wire with him before the ride, and his actions could have killed the driver. Thus no mercy would be granted to him.

Lin was sentenced to 10 months, given his mental disease history and pleaded guilty earlier.