TNAG-0112-FCO40-148-Detainees-and-prisoners-following-19671968-disturbances-1969 — Page 53

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weapon and with possession of a simulated bomb and was sentenced to five years and three years respectively, the sentences to run concurrently. (3) In the same month, a fifteen year old boy placed

five simulated bombs by a vehicular ferry. He was charged with the possession of simulated bombs and sentenced to four years imprisonment. (4) On the 14th November, 1967, a fifteen year old boy threw a bomb, which exploded on impact, at the Waterfront Police Station in Hong Kong. He was arrested by the Police and his home was searched. A simulated bomb, together with four packets of chemicals for making bombs were found in his room. He was charged with causing an explosion and with possession of an offensive weapon. He was convicted and sentenced to four years imprisonment on each count, the sentences to run concurrently.

(5) On the 20th November, 1967, a fifteen year old boy placed a basket containing a real bomb and three simulated bombs at the side of the road. He was charged with possession of an offensive weapon and with possession of simulated bombs and was sentenced to four years imprisonment on each charge, the sentences to run concurrently.

In the face of such acts as these, I find it difficult to see any adequate alternative to the punishment that these young offenders are now undergoing. All these youngsters are employed in the Prisons workshop. They have been offered voluntary schooling in the young prisoners section, though only two of them have taken advantage of this offer. None of them has any contact with older prisoners.