LAU KWOK-HUNG v. THE QUEEN

CACC000885/1978

 

IN THE COURT OF APPEAL	1978 No.885
	(Criminal)

 

BETWEEN:
	LAU KWOK-HUNG	Appellant
	AND
	THE QUEEN	Respondent

Coram: Briggs, C.J., Huggins & Pickering, JJ.A.

Date of Judgment: 5th December, 1978.

 

-----------------

JUDGMENT

-----------------

 

1. The appellant pleaded guilty to six cases of robbery. In each case the victim was a taxi driver and in each case a knife was used. The appellant stole money, and on three occasions a watch from his victims.

2. The appellant is aged 20 and he had a clear record. Counsel urged that this was a case in which the court might consider varying the sentence and making an order that the appellant be detained either in a training centre or a detention centre.

3. We think that the offences are too serious to adopt such a course. But taking into consideration the youth of the appellant and his clear record, and the fact that he pleaded guilty, we think that the sentence passed by the trial judge of 5 ½ years was excessive. In the event, we think that justice would best be done if we allow the appeal to the extent of substituting a sentence of three and a half years' imprisonment for that passed in the court below and we order accordingly.

 

 

	(Geoffrey Briggs)
	President.

 

Representation:

Bokhary (D.L.A.) for appellant

Gall for crown