ANNEX C TO XCR(77)189
NOTE BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
CHARGE AND CONVICTION.
George William Puttock and Donald David Bassett
(both 19 years of age at the time of the killing) were charged with the murder on 18 February 1976 of NG Fai. They were convicted on 30 July 1976. Their appeals to the Court of Appeal were dismissed on 10 February 1977.
2.
FACTS.
Some-
The events leading to the death of the deceased occurred at about 0530 on 18 February 1976. Puttock and Bassett, who were soldiers, had been away from their camp throughout the night. During that time they had consumed a good deal of alcohol. Quite near to the camp, and presumably on their way back there, a series of events took place. thing (probably a stone) was thrown at a public light bus. The bus was stopped and some passengers got off to investigate. They were attacked by Puttock and Bassett, who were armed with poles, and chased along the road. The men then re-boarded the bus, which was driven away. Puttock and Bassett then saw another man and Bassett went up to him and asked the time. There was a minor scuffle between Bassett and this man, who had in fact seen the earlier incident. Puttock and Bassett then went on down the road, still carrying poles. They met the deceased and attacked him violently. The deceased managed to run a short distance but was followed and attacked again. He finally fell into a ditch and was beaten to death there. The man who had been asked the time witnessed the attack on the deceased and went towards the place where the attack was taking place, calling on Puttock and Bassett to stop. They did so. and began to chase the witness, who evaded them.
3.
Shortly afterwards, another public light bus came along. The witness stopped it and recounted what had happened. Both Puttock and Bassett were still nearby. Some passengers got off the bus and they all went towards Puttock and Bassett, having first looked at the deceased in the ditch. However, being unarmed, they stopped and decided to re-board the public light bus.
Having done so, either Puttock or Bassett threw a pole at the bus, smashing a window. The bus had travelled a short distance when a Police vehicle came along. Puttock and