TNAG-0486-FCO40-551-Review-of-death-sentence-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 24

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DATE

ar.

NAME AND AGE

1967

WONG Muk (47)

J. 1968

.1969

1969

5.

1971

POON

CHAN Ming (20) CHAN Fat Chi (19)

TAI Shun-kam (23)

KWONG Wai-wah (18)

CIRCUMSTANCES

Total loss of self control. WONG attacked neighbour's wife and child and his own son with a chopper, killing the woman.

Killed elderly woman in course of robbing her by tying string around neck.

Gang fight. Retaliation for assaults by members of Triad Society of which deceased was a member and to which the Chans belong. 2 Chans and two other men stopped and attacked deceased with choppers and a knife.

Jealousy killing by jilted lover. (3 stab wounds on body of former

girl-friend).

Gang killing. Group of about eight hacked two men to death with choppers and knives in public restaurant. Gang dispute over a girl.

REASONS FOR COMMUTATION

History of disputes between WONG and deceased. No pre- meditation. Savagery of attack, including wounding of own son raised some doubt as to mental state of WONG. Judge recommended reprieve. Some doubt as to mental state of POON. No pre-meditation, perhaps he intended to shut victims up not to kill.

Wounds consistent with intent to injure. Other accused though equally guilty were only convicted of manslaughter. of accused. Judge recommended reprieve.

Age

Accused drank heavily before attacking girl. Unstable temperament. Crime of passion rather than of gain or revenge. Judge recommended reprieve.

Age (18 years and 1 month at time of killing). Judge recommended reprieve. Kwong did not himself strike either of

deceased.

SENTENCE

18 years

20 years

15 yrs.each

15 years

20 years