CACC 173 /2021
[2022] HKCA 716
IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE
HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION
COURT OF APPEAL
CRIMINAL APPEAL NO 173 OF 2021
(ON APPEAL FROM HCCC NO 151 OF 2020)
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BETWEEN
HKSAR
Respondent
and
SAHIL Kumar (D1)
1st Applicant
SANJEEV Kumar (D2)
2nd Applicant
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Before: Hon Macrae VP in Court
Date of Hearing: 17 May 2022
Date of Judgment: 17 May 2022
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J U D G M E N T
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1. I have read the respective written submissions of counsel for the two applicants and the respondent and indicated to Ms Mok for the respondent that she may advance further oral argument if she wishes at this stage. In my view it is reasonably arguable that the starting points adopted in respect of each applicant and the eventual notional sentences after trial (with enhancements) are manifestly excessive and/or wrong in principle. In those circumstances, I shall grant leave to appeal on Ground 1 of the 1st applicant’s perfected grounds of appeal against sentence, and Grounds 1 and 2 of the 2nd applicant’s perfected grounds of appeal against sentence.
2. Having granted leave to appeal on Ground 1 of the 1st applicant’s perfected grounds of appeal, I consider I should also grant leave to appeal on Ground 2 of his respective grounds. I do not consider it appropriate at this stage to say anything further as to the merits of the proposed appeals.
(Andrew Macrae)
Vice President
Ms Winnie Mok SPP, of the Department of Justice, for the Respondent
Mr H Y Wong, instructed by Boase, Cohen & Collins, assigned by the Director of Legal Aid, for the 1st Applicant
Mr John Marray, instructed by the Legal Aid Department, for the 2nd Applicant