XN000022-1997-04-10 — Page 9

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Response to media reports on case of crippled beggar

In response to media reports on the case of a crippled beggar who received a six-month custodial term on review of sentence, and was said to have crawled into the dock because his crutches were confiscated by the Magistrate, a spokesman for the Legal Department today (Thursday) pointed out that it is the duty of the department to seek review of a sentence if it is considered manifestly inadequate and or if it is wrong in principle. Sentencing is a matter for the courts.

The charges, to which the defendant in this case admitted, were unlawful stay in Hong Kong, and assault on the Police and arson which are serious offences. The normal sentence for an illegal immigrant who committed another offence at the same time is 15 months imprisonment. The Magistrate in this case obviously agreed with the view of the department and revised his original suspended sentence. defendant was all along legally represented.

The

Hong Kong has seen a problem of beggars, many of them crippled, entering and staying illegally to work on the streets. The sentence should be adequate enough to prevent a deterioration of this problem, the spokesman said.

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Car park management contracts awarded

The Transport Department today (Thursday) awarded new management contracts for its multi-storey car parks to Wilson Parking (Holdings) Limited and Adams Parking (International) Limited.

Commencing on May 1, 1997, these contracts will be valid for four years.

Wilson Parking (Holdings) Limited will be responsible for managing seven car parks at Star Ferry, City Hall, Murray Road, Aberdeen, Middle Road, Kwai Fong and Tsuen Wan Transport Complex; as well as operating two Abandoned Vehicle Surrender Centres at To Kwa Wan and Sha Tin.

Adams Parking (International) Limited will manage the other seven car parks at Garden Road, Rumsey Street, Shau Kei Wan, Tin Hau, Yau Ma Tei, Sheung Fung Street and Tsuen Wan MTR Station.