The Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday had the defendant, Ho Cheuk-lam, appear in court to face his allegation of possessing objects to destroy property.

According to the court, Ho, who was then aged 15, took part in a protest at Shun Lee Shopping Center Phase One on December 14, 2019.

Around 16 people aged 15 to 20 were witnessed making graffiti indicating political slogans on the wall of the shopping center by a woman who passed by in the early hours of that day. The witness called the police and six of the gang, including Ho, were arrested afterward.

Ho was seized with two cans of spray paint in his backpack. He explained to the police that the objects, which he had not used, were brought by him to give to other protesters.

Today in court, Ho said he was driven by the political atmosphere to conduct the crime and he was willing to pay HK$3,000 to the shopping mall to clean the graffiti.

Acting Principal Magistrate Cheang Kei-hong said the defendant showed remorse for his actions and should be granted leniency, sentencing Ho to 240 hours of community service.