Social News
Author: Lu Leqian
2020-10-05 13:05
Last update date: 2020-10-05 13:05
On the evening of February 29 this year, a large number of citizens went outside the MTR Prince Edward Station to commemorate the "831" incident. That night, a purchasing manager and a Dutch teacher were charged with a crime of arson in Mong Kok, throwing paper into a burned trash can .
The two pleaded guilty earlier and were sentenced at the Kowloon City Court today (5th).
Magistrate Leung Ka-ki pointed out that although the two had no similar cases, arson was a serious crime after all. The court needed to impose a deterrent penalty, so they were eventually sentenced to 4 months in prison.
The two defendants in this case are Deng Zhenqiang (42 years old, reported as a purchasing manager) and Dutch man DE BRUIN Edgar Willem Aart (31 years old, reported as a teacher). They both pleaded guilty to a crime of arson, alleging that they were in Mong Kok on February 29. At the junction of Shandong Street and Sai Yee Street, a trash can belonging to the Hong Kong government was burned without legal excuse.
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[8.31 Half Anniversary] Over 100 people arrested on the streets of Mong Kok, 3 men charged with arson and 1 man accused of assaulting police
Half anniversary of the 8.31 incident, Dutch man and Hong Kong man plead guilty to burning trash cans in Mong Kok
Magistrate says deterrent punishment is required
When the defense pleaded for the two defendants, they said that neither of the two defendants had a similar record. The second defendant committed a crime under the influence of alcohol without considering the consequences. Now he regrets it and has been remanded for three and a half months, so he prays to the court. Light sentence.
The defense also stated that the fire involved in the case was not serious and did not cause damage to human lives or property, and the two defendants did not use any combustion-supporting agent to increase the fire. Therefore, it is hoped that the court will consider their good background and make a further light sentence.
When sentencing Liang Guan pointed out that arson is a serious crime and the court needs to impose a deterrent penalty. Therefore, six months’ imprisonment is the starting point for the sentence. Because the two pleaded guilty at the first time, the two months’ imprisonment was deducted and the final sentence was two. The defendant was imprisoned for four months.
Case Number: KCCC 346/2020
Arson related to court fugitives ordinance hearing
