HKSAR v. CHAN KA SHING

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

COURT OF APPEAL

1998, No. 166
(Criminal)

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J U D G M E N T

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Mayo, J.A. (giving the judgment of the Court):

1. The Applicant pleaded guilty to five counts of theft and seven of obtaining property by deception before H.H. Judge Hawkes and was sentenced to a total of 2 1/2 years' imprisonment. He now seeks leave to appeal against these sentences.

2. The facts were quite simple and straight forward. The Applicant was employed by a bank in a position of trust. He stole credit cards which he had obtained from customers and he purchased items such as jewellery with the cards. It would appear from the agreed facts that the Applicant was virtually caught red handed. In his Reasons for Sentence the Judge stated that the victims had been compensated for the losses they suffered.

3. The Judge adopted a starting point of 4 years and gave the Applicant more than a 1/3 discount for his pleas.

4. In his Grounds of Appeal the Applicant claims that the Judge did not consider his family background or the information contained in the probation report which was obtained. This is not so as the Judge specifically did refer to this.

5. These were multiple offences and the Applicant abused the trust which was reposed in him by his employers. The total sentence imposed in such circumstances was a lenient sentence. This application is without merit. It is dismissed. 3 months of the time spent in custody will not count towards his sentence.