TNAG-0487-FCO40-552-Review-of-death-sentence-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 253

5.

6. Mr. LEUNG Kai-wah (Superintendent of Kwun Tong Hostel)

However,

During

The Prisoner was admitted into the Hostel on 17th April, 1971 for six months' residence under a probation order. he was found absent without leave since 5th July, 1971. his stay in the Hostel, he was carefree and lacking of self-control, though he created no great trouble. His work record was fairly good but he returned late to the Hostel from time to time.

7. Mr. CHING Yee-ho (The Prisoner's ex-probation officer)

The Prisoner was placed on probation supervision for a period of two years with a condition to reside in the Kwun Tong Hostel for six months on 16th April, 1971 in respect of three counts of robbery offence. (Case No. K3911/71 refers). However, he had left the said Hostel without leave since 5th July 1971 and since then he also failed to keep in contact with the supervising probation officer (one of the requirements in his probation order). For his breach of the probation order, a warrant was issued by court on 10th August 1971 for his arrest. He was consequently arrested for a further offence of possession of offensive weapon for which he was sentenced to the Tai Lam Addiction Treatment Centre on 8th May, 1972 with his previous probation order discharged. (Case No. NK15631/72)

8. Mr. YAN Hung-chiu (After-care officer at Tai Lam Addiction

Treatment Centre)

The Prisoner was sentenced to the Tai Lam Addiction Treat- ment Centre of the Prisons Department on 8th May, 1972 for the offence of possession of offensive weapon in case No. NK15631/72, and was discharged on 10th January, 1973 followed with after-care supervision for a year.

Although he had not breached the regulations of the treatment centre during his re-idence there, his response to counselling was said to be only superficial. Arrangement was made for him to re- side at a half-way house upon his discharge in order to keep him away from his former undesirable associates in Shek Kip Mei area. However, he failed to report to the half-way house nor had he contacted his after-care officer after his discharge. There was no trace of him until he was arrested for his present offence.

I. INTERVIEW WITH THE PRISONER

The Prisoner was interviewed in the Stanley Prison on 17th January and 4th February, 1974 respectively. He blamed no one but himself for his present predicament. He said his parents and siblings were all good to him. He attributed his misconduct to his association with evil characters who induced him to rob, to run away from the Kwun Tong Hostel and to make fun by smoking narcotic drugs. He regretted for his own laziness to work gainfully and his desire for easy money, which prevented him from any attempt to leave his un- desirable associates. Though he showed little emotional regret through- out the interviews, he hoped that he would be granted mercy.

/J.