Condemned Prisoner
Enquiries have been made by the staff of the District Office, Sha Tin where the nearest relatives of the prisoner,
lives.
2.
whose former address was Flat 546, Block 16, Lok Fu Estate, Kowloon, had moved to live in Sha Tin since 1st July, 1976 under the compassionate quota. At present, his wife and the seven children (the oldest being 15 years old and the youngest 4) still live in Lek Yuen Estate, having been relying on public assistance since 1976 via Tai Po Social Security Unit/Social Welfare Department. Mr. Ho seldom stayed at home, he and his case drew little comment from the neighbours and the most prominent of the local leaders.
3.
Mr. Ho was reported to have been a foreman of some flooring business. His joining the gangsters triad could have been attributed to the fact that he has to support such a large family. The victim was suspected to be a friend of the convict who committed the homicide upon disputes over debts. Besides, it was also believed that Mr. Ho used to be an "informer" for the Police.
4.
In general, the local community have little objection towards the application of the maximum penalty in any case of this type. Nevertheless, his neighbours had reservations on his alleged death sentence which may lead to serious family problems as he has so many children; some of them are too young to stand on their own feet. They would prefer imprisonment instead.
5.
It is also learnt that the Social Welfare Department has advised the convict's wife to find a job. There is however no evidence that she has found one. The general remarks on the woman were not favourable.
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