TNAG-1101-FCO40-1351-Legislation-on-homosexuality-in-Hong-Kong-including--Report--1981 — Page 290

301

PROFESSOR A. K. MANT'S OPINION

DEPARTMENT OF FORENSIC MEDICINE

GUY'S HOSPITAL, SE1 9RT

TEL: 01-407 0378

OR 01-407 7600 EXT, 3370

Appendix 30

་

Report and Opinion by

Professor A. Keith Mant, M.D., M.R.C.P., F.R.C.Path, D.M.J., Head of

Department of Forensic Medicine, Guy's Hospital, University of London,

in the case of

John Richard MacLennon, dec.

In Hong Kong on 15th January 1980.

In preparation of this report I have read the statement and examined the photographs supplied to me by Mr. N. Chan, Secretary to the Commission enquiring into the death of John Richard MacLennon. I also attended a conference at Hale Court, Lincolns Inn, London, on 28th August, 1980 with Mr. Chan, Mr. Lawrence Watt, Mr. Davis, Major Mead and Mr. Almeida.

Resume.

The deceased, John Richard MacLennon was a police inspector in the Royal Hong Kong Police. It was alleged that he had indulged in homosexual activities and was due to be arrested on 15th January, 1980 and charged with homosexual acts. He learned of this pending arrest. He arranged for a call at his flat at 5.30 a.m. on 15th January. At 6 a.m. he drew his revolver and six rounds of ammunition from the police armoury. A short time later, what could have been shots, were heard in the building where he lived. When he did not arrive at Police Head- quarters later that morning the police went to his flat and found the front door locked and bolted on the inside. A forced entry was made. His bedroom door was also locked on the inside. When this was opened the deceased was found dead by the side of the bed with his revolver at his feet. Five contact type bullet wounds were present on the front of the chest and upper abdomen. Dr. Wong saw the body in situ at 12.15 p.m. and performed an autopsy two days later.

The medical aspects of the case include consideration of:

whether the injuries appeared homicidal, suicidal or accidental

(1)

time of death

(11)

(111)

(IV)

whether the deceased's behaviour may have been influenced by alcohol and/or drugs

evidence of homosexual behaviour.

(a) Time of death.

The temperature recording made at the scene and the state

of rigor mortis are consistent with the estimation of the time of death given by Dr. Wong, i.e. between 6.30 and 7.30 a.m. on the day of death.