During the 2019 anti-amendment movement, a male teacher was found to have a laser pointer in possession of a laser pen and a gas mask and other items on his body near the demonstration site. He was thus charged with possession of an offensive weapon.
Although he said that because the police would release tear gas without warning, he carried a gas mask to protect himself, but the magistrate believed that even so, he should not bring more than one. In addition, there were gatherings and burning objects near the place where he was arrested. In typical protester gear, he was found guilty of carrying a laser pointer for wounding.
The case was adjourned to March 11 for sentencing to obtain a background report on the male teacher. The magistrate also stated that the case was serious and there was a good chance of being sentenced to prison.
Defendant Wong Kun Pei (27, teacher) was charged with possessing a black laser pen on September 15, 2019 at Ma Shi Tao, Wan Chai.
Defendant's backpack had 2 gas masks
The prosecution alleges that when the defendant was stopped, the police found two gas masks, canisters and other items in his backpack in addition to a laser pointer.
The defendant argued that because the police released tear gas without warning between June and August 2019, he usually carried items such as gas masks to protect himself.
However, the magistrate pointed out that these non-daily items, and the defendant admitted that they had never used these items, and even if they were to carry for their own use, they should not carry more than one item, and believed that the defendant's statement was unreasonable and unreliable.
Claiming to be unaware of demonstrations in Causeway Bay
Regarding the defendant’s claim that he did not know that there were demonstrations in Causeway Bay that day, the magistrate retorted that since the defendant was so concerned about the effects of tear gas on his body and even had to carry more than one piece of equipment, he would not have been unaware of whether there were demonstrations that day, and his friend stopped the police at the defendant’s The defendant had not arrived at Causeway Bay at the time of the stop, and the defendant could have gone to other places.
There were large gatherings and burning objects near the place of arrest
On the contrary, the magistrate was satisfied with the evidence of the police officers, pointing out that there were large gatherings, burning objects, and some people called "black police" near the place where the defendant was arrested. He was present to participate in the demonstration, and the laser pointer was used for wounding purposes, and he was convicted.
After this case, there is a great chance that I will no longer be able to teach
The defense has submitted multiple letters of pleading, stating that the defendant has a passion for teaching and often helps disadvantaged and students with special needs, but this case has a high chance of making him unable to serve as a coach, and hope the court will give a light sentence.
Case No.: ESCC1082/2021
Fang Zhongxian was involved in the possession of 10 laser pens. The defense pointed out that there was no battery in the pen. The official denounced it as a blatant challenge to the police force and the government's sentence on August 4. The man and the woman were convicted of possession of a laser pen and a hammer. The defendant said that he wanted to be a policeman.