HKSAR v. DANG VAN NGHI

HCMA 644/2004

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE

MAGISTRACY APPEAL NO. 644 OF 2004

(ON APPEAL FROM TMCC 1721/2004)

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J U D G M E N T

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1. The Appellant, a Vietnamese national, appeals sentences, imposed after pleas of guilty, of 15 months imprisonment for possession of a forged Hong Kong identity card, 6 months imprisonment for possession of a false instrument being a forged Construction Industry Safety Training Certificate and 28 days imprisonment for breach of condition of stay by overstaying.

2. The offences came to light during a routine check by police of passengers on a bus on 30th May 2004. When later interviewed the Appellant admitted having bought the forged identity card and certificate in order to obtain employment on a construction site in Hong Kong.

3. It has long been established that possession of a forged identity card by a first offender merits 15 months imprisonment on a plea of guilty, and is not excessive, where that possession is designed to assist obtaining employment or to further remaining in Hong Kong. [R v Shamin Nawaz [1994] 1 HKCLR 195]

4. There is no sentencing tariff for either of the other offences: the individual circumstances will vary greatly from case to case. Each sentence is, however, well within current sentencing practice.

5. There were no matters of mitigation which were overlooked by the Magistrate who properly ordered that the sentences be served consecutively.

6. The appeal is dismissed.