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Personal Injuries Action2015

NG CHO CHU JUDY v. CHAN WING HUNG

Related cases with same parties

  • CACC430/1996HKSAR v. CHAN WING HUNG
  • CACV139/2016NG CHO CHU JUDY v. CHAN WING HUNG
  • DCMP2498/2014NG CHO CHU JUDY v. CHAN WING HUNG
  • HCMA186/2024香港特別行政區 訴 陳永雄

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[2018] HKDC 1423-CH-2018-11-20

吳楚珠 對 陳永雄

HTML content

DCPI 655/2015

[2018] HKDC 1423

香港特別行政區

區域法院

傷亡訴訟2015年第655號

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原告人NG CHO CHU JUDY(吳楚珠) 
 及 
被告人CHAN WING HUNG(陳永雄) 

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

主審法官: 區域法院暫委法官何世文法庭聆訊
聆訊日期: 2018年10月12日
判案書日期:2018年11月20日

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判決書

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1.  被告人於2018年9月12日發出傳票,就本席於2018年8月15日作出的裁決,提出上訴許可申請(「該傳票」)。

處理上訴許可申請的法律原則

2.  根據《區域法院條例》第63A(2)條:—

“(2) 聆訊有關上訴許可申請的法官、聆案官或上訴法庭除非信納

(a) 有關上訴有合理機會得直;或

(b) 有其他有利於秉行公正的理由,因而該上訴應進行聆訊

否則不得批予上訴許可。”

3.  被告人提出三點擬上訴理由,本席逐一處理如下。

擬上訴理由一

4.  被告人陳述本席錯誤判定他 「毫無保留同意申索陳述書第4段所描述的案情」[1](「該判定」)。

5.  這陳述實無證據可言。聆案官於2015年9月14日作出非正審判決,頒令原告人就第一次襲擊獲得勝訴,這命令純粹只以申索陳述書第4段至第6段的內容為事實基礎(「該命令」)。

“1. Interlocutory judgment on the issue of liability in respect of the First Assault as pleaded in paragraphs 4 – 6 of the Statement of Claim be entered in favour of the Plaintiff against the Defendant leaving damages to be assessed.”[2]

6.  被告人當時有律師代表,但審訊中並無證據顯示,在聆案官作出上述判決前,其律師有爭議相關事實基礎。事實上,本席就是次聆訊,有聆聽2015年9月14日的法庭錄音,亦確認上述的觀察。更根本而言,該命令除非經上訴被推翻或撤銷,否則,是對被告人具有約束力,他與原告人在審訊中,均不能提出與法庭早前裁定的事實基礎相違背的案情或證據。有鑑於此,本席看不到該判定有任何錯誤。再加上,本席不接納被告人就第一次襲擊事件提出的證供,在判案書中還有指出其他原因,在此不贅 [3]。因此,本席完全看不到擬上訴理由一如何能推翻本席早前拒絕接納他的證供的相關裁斷。

擬上訴理由二

7.  被告人陳述本席錯誤判定「第一次襲擊有實質地助成原告人其後出現的適應性障礙的精神科徵狀」,而應判定「第一次襲擊只令原告人預存的適應性障礙出現暫時性的惡化,並不引致事後她所出現的精神科病徵。」

8.  被告人所持的論點是,本席並沒有考慮他所聘用的精神科專家李卓頴醫生的意見,或給予其意見足夠的證據分量。但事實上,本席在判案書中已清楚指出,本席是經過小心考慮雙方專家的證供後(即除了原告人的精神科專家黎守信醫生的證供,還有李醫生的證供),才作出上述的事實裁斷,亦有在判案書第11段的註腳9指出兩位專家就兩次襲擊事件與原告人事後出現的精神科徵狀的因果關係所給予的意見[4]。就兩位專家的相關意見,分別引述如下:—

李醫生的意見

“39. As I am asked to consider the two index assaults out of context from other stressful events, my opinion is that the two assaults exacerbated her pre-existing Adjustment disorder temporarily but were not the cause of her psychiatric condition. Stressors implicated in the development of the Adjustment disorder that are independent of the index assaults are as followed:

a) Other alleged physical and emotional violence from Mr. Chan

b) Homelessness

c) Caregiver stress for mother

d) Financial strain

e) Ongoing legal proceedings.”

黎醫生的意見

“71. She had known history of psychiatric illness since 2000 with treatment in Kowloon Hospital Psychiatric Specialist Outpatient Department (Dr. Ching Wing Ka, 27 Oct 2014) and had first psychiatric consultation at the Department of Queen Mary Hospital in 2004 and she had been observed to have fluctuation of mood due to the conflicts with her boyfriend. She had suicidal attempt in 2008. There is absence of medical documents showing her psychiatric treatment, if any, before the first index assault in March 2013. The medical documents noted her psychiatric symptoms after the first index assault and the second assault. On the basis that she had psychiatric symptoms and psychiatric treatment before the first index assault, it can be considered that the occurrence of psychiatric symptoms after the first index assault and the second index assault are exacerbation of the pre-existing adjustment disorder. Thus based on the nature and timing of development of her psychiatric symptoms it is compatible that the index assaults have contributed to the perpetuation and severity of the pre-existing psychiatric condition that had been related to the relationship issues with Mr. Chan.”

9.  雖然李醫生認為兩次襲擊事件並不引致原告人事後所出現的精神科徵狀。但本席在判案書第10段及第12段已指出,為何只接受李醫生就第二次襲擊事件方面給予的意見。法庭是可以考慮相關證據後不接納李醫生就第一次襲擊方面給予的意見的。本席的裁斷亦有黎醫生的專家意見所支付。事實上,第一次襲擊導致原告人的頭部多處受傷,襲擊的方法亦具相當羞辱性[5],對原告人而言,是一次創傷性的經歷[6],令致她事後需要到精神科門診部求診及接受精神科藥物治療[7]。

10.  被告人又陳述本席並沒有考慮以下因素或給予其足夠的證據分量:—

(1) 李醫生認為案中兩次襲擊事件只是發生在原告人與被告人兩人紛亂關係期間及結束後多宗一連串令人焦慮的事件的兩件事,這亦是原告人所認同的;

(2) 有記錄原告人在2000年開始已有精神病;

(3) 在發生第一次襲擊事件前,原告人曾兩次企圖自殺;及

(4) 還有其他長時間令原告人產生焦慮的因素。

11.  本席並不接受這陳述。因為,本席在作出相關裁斷前,已對兩位專家撰寫的聯合報告的內容作出全盤考慮,包括擬上訴理由二中所提及的上述因素。事實上,當黎醫生認為第一次襲擊事件令原告人的預存適應性障礙的精神病出現惡化及助成該病情的延續及其嚴重程度,他亦已考慮了上述的因素。

12.  擬上訴理由二實質上是要推翻法庭的事實裁斷,但遠卻未能滿足所需的嚴謹法律要求,因而明顯不能成立。(見:Ho Hon Piu v Li Miu Kwai representing the Estate of Ho Hon Ka (deceased),CACV 15/2017,判案書日期:2018年11月2日,第14段;Hui Ling Ling v Sky Field Development Ltd,CACV 122/2012,判案書日期:2013年3月22日,第43段)。因此,這擬上訴理由同樣是毫無理據可言。

擬上訴理由三

13.  就擬上訴理由三,被告人陳述,由於擬上訴理由二所提及的因素,就第一次襲擊而助成原告人其後出現的適應性障礙的問題及相關的精神科徵狀,對比起其他焦慮因素(stressors),本席應分配為不多於10%,而不應分配爲60%[8]。

14.  本席認爲,這點同樣是沒有合理機會上訴得直。

15.  雖然在聯合報告中雙方專家都有提及在原告人與被告人的紛亂感情關係期間及結束後所出現的其他事件及令原告人產生焦慮的因素,但兩位專家都沒有在撇除本案兩次襲擊事件對原告人產生的影響以外,就這些其他的事件及焦慮因素對原告人產生的實質影響及程度作出明確的評估。 與此同時,本席留意到,原告人在2008年的兩次企圖自殺[9],與第一次襲擊事件已相隔5年之久。原告人雖有預存的適應性障礙的精神病,但在聯合報告內,本席看不到在2008年之後至第一次襲擊發生前的數年間原告人與被告人再有發生任何衝突以令她出現明顯的精神科徵狀。事實上,按聯合報告第9段的描述 ,原告人在第一次襲擊事件發生前的性格是樂觀及平易近人的 。

16.  雖然第一次襲擊事件只是實質助成原告人其後出現的精神科徵狀的其中一個因素,但以案中的證據看來,本席認為該因素,比較起雙方專家所提及的其他焦慮因素,對原告人影響最大。在這方面,就算是李醫生,亦認為就該襲擊事件應給予原告人一個月的病假[10];該襲擊事件亦令原告人需要接受精神科藥物治療[11],但其他的焦慮因素[12]卻沒有如第一次襲擊事件般被原告人形容為「創傷性」的經歷。本席認爲第一次襲擊亦令到她的預存適應性障礙出現最顯著的惡化。因此, 本席所裁斷的60%的分配是有合理的證據基礎所支持。相反, 依本案的證據 ,本席並不能看到被告人如何能合理地得出他所聲稱的分配,以令法庭應推翻早前的裁斷。

17.  再者,事實上,本席在考慮就第一次襲擊被告人應對原告人作出的合理賠償時,只顧及該襲擊對原告人所造成的影響,而其他獨立於該襲擊的焦慮因素並不在考慮之列;另外,本席有參考相關的案例去評估對應的賠償[13];亦有就第一次襲擊與第二次襲擊的PSLA賠償項目,分開作出評估[14]。

18.  基於上述,無論如何,本席亦看不到被告人如何能以他所提出的三個擬上訴理由去推翻本席就各項賠償項目的評估[15]。

19.  因此,本席並不認為被告人的上訴有任何合理機會得直,同時,亦看不到有任何秉行公義的理由應批准他的上訴許可申請。

法定暫停期的解除

20.  為完備起見,本席或需指出,在被告人發出該傳票後,法律援助署於2018年9月20日存檔備忘錄,通知法庭原告人於9月19日申請法律援助。其後於2018年9月27日,法律援助署存檔另一份備忘錄,通知法庭已拒絕有關法律援助的申請。

21.  代表原告人的程律師在聆訊開始時,向法庭確認,他是獲原告人私人聘用,代表出席是次聆訊,並要求法庭解除《法律援助條例》[16]第15條第4款之下暫停本案法律程序的42 天[17]的暫停期(「該暫停期」),已讓法庭處理該傳票。雖然被告人向法庭表示,他想繼續該暫停期以令他可有更多的時間去諮詢朋友的意見協助他處理其上訴許可申請。但被告人坦然承認,他事先亦已獲其朋友告知,法庭是有權把該暫停期解除的。考慮過本案的相關情況後,本席認為明顯適宜把該暫停期解除,並已在聆訊中宣讀了相關的裁決及理由,在此不需要重複。

22.  本席只想強調的是,首先,被告人在發出該傳票後至是次聆訊期間,已有一個月充足時間作準備。其次, 有關法律援助的申請是原告人而並非被告人的申請,被告人本人並沒有申請法律援助。再者,由上述的分析可見,被告人的上訴許可申請全無理據可言。因此,本席認為並無任何實質意義,要把該傳票押後至該暫停期結束後才繼續處理。否則,只會產生更多不必要的訟費,亦會浪費更多的法庭資源。

命令

23.  基於上述理由,本席不批准被告人的上訴許可申請,並頒令該傳票被撤銷。

24.  經考慮雙方就訟費的陳詞後,根據一貫的勝方應獲訟費的原則,本席認為被告人應支付原告人的訟費。

25.  因此,本席亦頒令被告人須支付原告人該傳票的訟費。如雙方未能同意訟費的金額,則由法庭評定。

 (已簽署)
 ( 何世文 )
 區域法院暫委法官

原告人: 程明裕律師行的程明裕律師代表

被告人: 沒有律師代表,並親自應訊



[1] 判案書第5及22段

[2] 2015年9月14日的法庭命令第1段

[3] 判案書第21及22段

[4] 聯合報告第39段及71段

[5] 判案書第7-8段、29段及31段

[6] 聯合報告第69(i)段

[7] 聯合報告第11段、24段、57段及62B(1)段

[8] 判案書第13段

[9] 聯合報告第33段

[10] 聯合報告第48段

[11] 見上文第9段註腳7

[12] 判案書第13段

[13] 判案書第30段

[14] 判案書第30段及31段

[15] 判案書第30段、31段、45段、47段、62段及63段;被告人擬上訴理由的草擬本第1及第2頁

[16] 香港法例第91 章

[17] 《法律援助規例》(香港法例第91A 章)第7A條

[2018] HKDC 980-CH-2018-08-15

吳楚珠 對 陳永雄

HTML content

DCPI 655/2015

[2018] HKDC 980

香港特別行政區

區域法院

傷亡訴訟案件2015年第655號

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原告人NG CHO CHU JUDY (吳楚珠) 
對
被告人CHAN WING HUNG (陳永雄) 

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主審法官:區域法院暫委法官何世文法庭聆訊
聆訊日期:2018年1月16-18日
判案書日期:2018年8月15日

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判案書

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1.  是次聆訊是關於原告人申索的損害賠償的評定。

背景

2.  在聆訊時原告人約55歲,被告人約46歲。被告人是原告人的前度男友,兩人由2005年起同居,於2007年搬往水街榮昌閣一樓B室的單位(以下簡稱「該單位」)居住。

3.  原告人指稱在該單位內被告人曾多次襲擊她,但在本案中,她只能夠就兩次襲擊提供詳情。第一次發生在2013年3月15日(以下簡稱「第一次襲擊」),第二次發生在2014年7月26日(以下簡稱「第二次襲擊」)。在發生第二次襲擊前,原告人約在2014年5月已搬離該單位。

4.  於2015年3月27日,原告人入稟本法院控告被告人,要求就有關襲擊作出賠償,被告人有聘請律師作出抗辯。在2018年8月25日之後,被告人才沒有律師代表。

5.  在雙方同意下,先於2015年9月14日,法庭頒令(以下簡稱「法庭命令一」),就第一次襲擊的責任問題,原告人以其申索陳述書第4段至第6段的內容為基礎獲得非正審判決[1]。其後於2015年10月7日,法庭亦頒令(以下簡稱「法庭命令二」),同樣在雙方同意下,就第二次襲擊的責任問題,原告人以其申索陳述書第7至第9段的內容為基礎獲得非正審判決[2]。

6.  另外,在其申索陳述書第10段[3],申索人聲稱除了上述兩次襲擊外,被告人還有在其他日子在該單位內襲擊她,但原告人不但未能就那些其他事件提供詳情,在是次損害賠償評定的聆訊中,亦沒有提供相關證據,去證明那些襲擊確實有發生。因此,本席並不會接受原告人那些純粹的聲稱。事實上,在其進一步修訂的損害賠償陳述書中,原告人所要求的賠償項目,只是針對上文第3段所提及的兩次襲擊。

原告人的傷勢及精神科專家的相關評估

7.  根據申索陳述書第4段[4],於2013年3月15日晚上約11時,當兩人在該單位內爭吵時,被告人發脾氣並襲擊原告人,包括抓着她的上衣,把原告人推向牆,亦跪在原告人的小腹令她感到非常痛,當原告人嘗試掙脫推開被告人期間,她的頭部亦撞到牆,令她的面部,鼻子及口部受傷。當原告人掙脫後,衝出屋外往大廈的天台,企圖自殺,但被告人成功制止她。

8.  原告人事後被送往瑪麗醫院。根據瑪麗醫院急症室的醫療報告,醫院的檢查顯示原告人的前額及鼻樑有觸痛,下巴有5mm長的傷口,右下唇有1.5 cm長的傷口,頭部的後邊有2cm的瘀傷。但X光顯示鼻樑或頭部並無骨折。 在瑪麗醫院縫針後,原告人其後被送往東區尤德夫人那打素醫院精神科留院接受診治及評估。當時她被診斷有適應障礙 (adjustment disorder)。她於2013年3月17日出院。

9.  根據申索陳述書第7段[5],於2014年7月25日晚上約9時30分 ,原告人返回該單位打算拿取她的個人物品,準備在7月27日與家人往台灣旅行之用。當晚她在該單位留宿至翌日早上約6時30分 ,當她正在執拾個人物品時,被告人投訴原告人騷擾他睡眠,要求原告人立即離開該單位。被告人用手推原告人,其後又用手拉原告人至離開屋門外,原告人有反抗,期間有抓住被告人的手臂及上身,以避免自己跌倒。在屋外原告人報警。事後警方到場經調查後,懷疑兩人干犯「普通襲擊」而向他們作出拘捕。就該事件,兩人事後均被控「普通襲擊」,於2014年9月3日在東區裁判法院,兩人接受及被判處簽保守行為12個月。

10.  就第二次襲擊,原告人並沒有到醫院或診所求醫,或接受任何治療。在裁判法院雙方所同意的案情撮要書顯示,原告人因第二次襲擊只有輕微的身體受傷,包括雙手手掌擦傷,及左邊膝蓋有觸痛。

11.  在本案中,原告人只有接受雙方的精神科專家的評估,並無其他專家醫生的評估。黎守信醫生(原告人專家)及李卓頴醫生(被告人專家)的聯合報告指出,根據東區尤德夫人那打素醫院精神科的報告,就第一次襲擊事件,原告人被送入精神科病房時,其精神狀態是穩定的,她亦向醫生說她當時企圖自殺的舉動只因一事衝動想威脅其男友[6]。本案中的醫療證據亦顯示,原告人早在2004年她已被診斷有適應性障礙[7],過往亦曾分別於2008年4月及10月與被告人發生爭執後企圖自殺[8]。而兩位專家同意兩次襲擊的事件令原告人預存的適應性障礙惡化[9]。

12.  經小心考慮過雙方的專家證供後,本席認為第一次襲擊有實質性地助成原告人其後所出現的適應性障礙的精神科徵狀[10]。但就第二次襲擊,本席接納被告人專家李醫生的意見,該襲擊只令原告人預存的適應障礙出現暫時性的惡化,並不引致事後她所出現的精神科病徵。

13.  兩位專家同意原告人現時的適應性障礙的剩餘問題只屬輕微[11]。兩位專家亦同意除了該兩次襲擊事件,還有其他令原告人產生焦慮的因素(stressor)包括她與被告人的負面的感情關係、她的財政問題、沒有固定居所、其母親的健康問題[12]、是次的訴訟以及早前與被告人關於該單位業權的訴訟等問題[13]。顧及這些各項因素後及本案的背景情況,本席評定,就第一次襲擊而助成原告人其後所出現的適應性障礙的問題及相關的精神科的徵狀所分配 (apportioned) 的百分比應為60%。參見:Wu Leung Kui Jacky v. Leung Ming Yun & Ors, DCPI 1154/2008, 判案書日期2011年3月7日,該判詞第73段。

共擔過失(contributory fault)及反申索

14.  被告人在其經修訂後的答辯書及反申索陳述書,就第二次襲擊事件,聲稱由於原告人騷擾他使用其單位,在他要求後,仍不離開該單位,因爲原告人這不合理的行爲,才導致或助成該襲擊事件的發生。另外,在該事件中原告人亦有襲擊他導致他的手臂及上身被抓傷,因而亦為此提出反申索,要求原告人作出賠償。

15.  但是次聆訊是關於原告人的損害賠償評定的聆訊,原告人就反申索否認責任,法庭早前並無就反申索的審訊作出任何指令。因此,嚴格上來說,本席並不需就被告人的反申索能否得直,作出相關的裁定。但另一方面,由於該反申索的內容牽涉到第二次襲擊發生的背景情況。因此,本席只會就後者作出是次評定所需的相關裁斷。

16.  經小心考慮過相關證據後(尤其顧及到雙方在裁判法院所同意的案情撮要的內容),及基於法庭早前判定被告人就第二次襲擊須承擔法律責任的事實基礎(見上文第9段),本席裁斷,由於被告人先襲擊原告人,用手推原告人,及強行拉原告人至離開屋門外,原告人因而作出反抗在當時的情況下是自然及合理的。本席亦裁斷,原告人是在嘗試掙脫被告人期間,抓到被告人的手臂及上身;而基於雙方所同意的事實基礎,本席認為被告人所受的傷並非因為原告人蓄意襲擊被告人所造成的,而是因為原告人出於合法自衛作出反抗的情況下而造成的。

17.  本席亦裁斷,被告人向原告人襲擊,是可合理地預見被告人會作出反抗,而在掙扎期間,原告人是有相當機會身體受傷。經小心考慮過本案相關證供後,本席亦作出合理的推斷,原告人雙手手掌的擦傷及左邊膝蓋所受的輕傷,是原告人出於合法自衛作出合理反抗被告人的襲擊期間時造成的。本席判定被告人需就那些原告人身體上所受的損傷負上法律責任作出賠償。

18.  至於共擔過失的議題方面,本席留意到法庭早前在另一宗案件判定,原告人與被告人是該單位的聯權共有的受益人(見:Ng Cho Chu Judy v Chan Wing Hung [2016] 1 HKLRD 1073, 該判詞第152(a)-(b)段[14])。因此,原告人當時是有合法理由留在該單位。無論如何,縱使原告人沒有應被告人的要求離開該單位,法律當然並不容許被告人以此爲由向原告人使用武力,強行把原告人趕離單位。

19.  被告人又供稱,他在2014年7月26日早上,看見原告人在他的書房裏翻查他的文件,感到不安及震驚,才要求原告人離開單位。首先,該證供與他早前已同意的原告人案情有所相違(見上文第9段)。另外,若被告人所言屬實,他理應在給予警方的口供、該案情撮要、或在裁判法院案件的求情陳詞中提及這重要的事宜,但他卻沒有這樣做,亦提供不到合理的解釋。本席認為他在這方面的證供並不可信,亦不為本席所接納。

20.  基於上述,本席看不到有任何理由,原告人就第二次襲擊事件中所獲得的賠償需要作出任何的扣減。

21.  至於就第一次襲擊,被告人並沒有在其答辯書提出原告人有做出任何行為,導致或促成第一次襲擊的發生。被告人其後在其證人供詞才第一次聲稱,由於原告人先做出挑釁的行為,捉着被告人大吵大鬧,用手指指着原告人父親的靈牌大駡,滿口粗言穢語,令到被告人感到羞辱、忍受不住,引致他襲擊原告人。原告人否認有此事。

22.  在這方面,本席拒絕接納被告人的證供,並信納原告人沒有這樣做。首先,這樣重要的案情,被告人並沒有在其答辯書提出,反而毫無保留同意申索陳述書第4段所描述的案情[15]。同樣地,被告人聲稱原告人這些挑釁的行為在裁判法院作求情時,亦隻字不提[16]。總括而言,經小心考慮過就第一次襲擊事件的所有相關證據後,本席同樣看不到被告人有任何事實及法理的基礎,可對原告人應獲得的賠償作出任何的扣減。

23.  為完備起見,本席亦需指出,原告人在其證詞亦提到,就第一次襲擊事件,被告人在該單位內,亦曾把她從客廳拖進浴室,將她的頭部壓向座廁,要求她在座廁中飲用紅酒。被告人否認有其事。經小心考慮過本案相關證據後,本席對原告人這方面的說法有很大的保留,本席不信納她這方面的證供。尤其是,若原告人所講的是事實,被告人這行為同樣已構成襲擊,但原告人在其申索陳述書中,就第一次襲擊的事件,並沒有説出這樣重要的情節,她亦沒有合理的解釋。因此,就第一次襲擊,本席只會基於在法庭命令一之下雙方所同意的事實基礎,去評定原告人所應獲得的相關賠償。

疼痛、痛苦及喪失生活便利(以下簡稱「PSLA」)

24.  關於PSLA 的賠償,原告人向被告人追討港幣$400,000。但原告人的代表程律師所提供嘗試支持該申索數額的PSLA案例明顯並不適用於此案。

25.  經小心考慮過本案所有相關醫療證據後,本席認為所申索的PSLA賠償金額明顯誇大、不合理。尤其是,本案原告人在第一次襲擊所受到的身體傷害,應屬於暫時性的,亦無證據顯示有令她造成任何永久性的身體損傷,她出院後再沒有覆診或接受進一步的治療。在第二次襲擊後,原告人更沒有求醫,或接受任何治療包括精神科方面的診治。

26.  至於第一次襲擊所引致的精神科的病徵,並非屬於嚴重的類別。根據李醫生的評估,從精神科方面來看,原告人因第一次襲擊所需的合理病假只是一個月,而就第二次襲擊所需的合理病假則爲兩星期[17]。

27.  原告人其後在2013年11月曾再次企圖自殺,而被送入瑪麗醫院接受11天留院診治,但根據聯合醫療報告的記錄,這事件是由於雙方因花檔生意及家庭工作安排上出現爭執而引致的[18],亦與第一次襲擊相隔接近八個月。經小心考慮相關證據後,本席裁斷這事件與第一次襲擊事件並不能扣上因果關係。

28.  兩位專家同意原告人現時的適應性障礙的剩餘問題只屬輕微。就精神科問題方面,李醫生評估原告人因第一次襲擊而引致的永久性損傷的百分比只有0.5%。而黎醫生的相關評估為1%至2%。至於就第二次襲擊方面,李醫生的相關評估為0%,而黎醫生的相關評估則為1%。

29.  鑑於第一次襲擊導致原告人的頭部有多處受傷,並對原告人造成顯著的心理創傷,本席認為黎醫生所評估原告人的相關永久性損傷較為合理。但就第二次襲擊事件,基於上述的分析,本席則接納李醫生的相關評估。

30.  基於上述,及經綜合觀察本案相關證據後,本席評定就第一次襲擊事件原告人所獲應得的PSLA 賠償為港幣$120,000,見:Mir v Mir [2012] 1 HKLRD 671,該判詞第79、85、87段。至於就第二次襲擊事件,本席評定相關的PSLA賠償則為港幣$30,000。因此,這項目的整體賠償為港幣$150,000。

加重賠償(aggravated damages)

31.  原告人就這項目申索港幣$200,000。本席認為第一次襲擊確實損害到原告人的自尊和尊嚴,雖然該襲擊在屋內發生,沒有第三者在場,但被告人襲擊原告人的方法具有相當羞辱性。經小心考慮過本案相關證據及情況後,本席認為被告人向原告人作出加重賠償是合適的,並評定相關合理賠償為$40,000。見:Mir v Mir [2012] 1 HKLRD 671,該判詞第88至90段。

32.  至於就第二次襲擊,顧及該事件的性質及背景,本席認爲被告人所干犯的行為,並非故意羞辱原告人,亦不嚴重至令法庭需要作出這類的賠償。法庭不會就第二次襲擊事件批准加重賠償。

懲罰性賠償(exemplary damages)

33.  原告人就這項目申索港幣$400,000。一般來說,法庭不會判定懲罰性的賠償。經小心觀察本案的證據後,本席認為就本案兩次的襲擊事件,原告人的情況明顯地不能符合英國上議院法庭在Rookes v Barnard [1964] AC 1129一案中所定立的三個特殊情況,以令法庭去批准懲罰性賠償。在霍兆榮對廉政公署 一案中[19],上訴庭在其判詞第22及23段指出:-

“22. 一般來說,法庭不會判定懲罰性的賠償。根據權威案例Rookes v Barnard [1964] AC 1129 一案,法官只有在以下的三個特殊情況,才會判處這種懲罰性的賠償 :

(1) 如果政府人員有欺壓、專橫無理或違反憲章的行為;

(2)如果被告人謀求從他所犯的侵權行為中獲取利益,即是被告人計算過他自己的行為可賺取的利益是超越他可能要支付給原告的補償。因此,要判處懲罰性賠償目的是要教訓他侵權行為是得不償失的;

(3) 如果有法例明文授權法庭可判處懲罰性的賠償。

23. 在本案中,廉署人員行為雖然是不當及不合理,但本案不涉及廉署人員行為違反憲章或有專橫無理、欺壓的情況,亦不屬Rookes v Barnard 一案中的第二種情況,因廉署人員並無企圖從這侵權行為賺取超越賠償款額的利益。本案亦無証據顯示有第三種的情況存在。因此,源聆案官判定原告人不能獲得懲罰性賠償亦屬恰當。”

34.  被告人並非政府人員,只是普通市民, Rookes v Barnard 一案中的第一種情況明顯不適用與此案,本案中亦無任何證據顯示有第三種的情況存在。至於就第二種情況,程律師陳述在第一次襲擊中,被告人明知原告人曾多次企圖自殺,她的感情脆弱,情緒混亂,因此,他在這背景情況下亦襲擊原告人實在是天理不容。就第二次襲擊,被告人驅趕原告人於物業之外,侵犯了她在該單位內的合法權益,其動機有可能是希望獨佔該物業;另外,由於被告人是再次襲擊原告人,法庭應給予懲罰性賠償以起阻嚇作用。

35.  本席不接受程律師的陳述。本席認為該兩次襲擊同樣不屬於第二種情況。按普通法,侵權法的賠償基本上是要補償原告人的損失,而非要去懲罰被告人,除非被告人所做出的行為符合Rookes v Barnard 所述的三種情況其中之一。

36.  被告人對原告人的第一次襲擊,毋庸置疑是法理所不容,但這並不代表該行為能符合Rookes v Barnard所指的第二種情況。第一次襲擊事件是因兩名情侶爭吵而起,並非基於被告人因計算自身的利益而向原告人動武。另外,本席認為上述所評定的PSLA賠償連同加重賠償,已能足夠地補償原告人的相關損失(包括對其自尊及尊嚴的傷害)。就第二次襲擊,如上所述,該行爲確實侵犯了原告人享用該單位的權利,但根據雙方所同意的案情,在2014年7月26日早上,該襲擊的發生事緣被告人認為原告人騷擾他睡覺而起,其後強行把原告人拉出門外。基於本席所接納的證供及環顧事發的背景,本席認為被告人當時是出於愚昧及衝動,而對原告人做出襲擊的行為,而非基於盤算要日後獨佔單位,去把原告人趕離。事實上,本席留意到在第二次襲擊發生前,原告人是有該單位的鎖匙,可自由進出該單位,被告人在7月25日晚上亦容許原告人入屋執拾自己的個人物品,亦沒有阻止原告人當晚睡在屋內。由此觀之,本席認爲程律師的陳述實屬牽強。

37.  程律師又陳述,被告人在那次事件後有把門鎖更換,這顯示被告人當時有意圖想獨佔該單位。但法庭需要考慮的是被告人向原告人作出第二次襲擊當時而非事後的意圖。本席認為在本案的情況下,被告人事後做出換鎖的行為,並不反映他當時要把原告人趕離該單位的意圖。假若被告人事後真的是想獨佔單位,而侵犯了原告人在該單位的權益,原告人可另行向被告人作出對應的追討,但絕不能與第二次襲擊事件可容許她追討的賠償混為一談。

38.  無論如何,原告人所指被告人向她作出第二次襲擊,是想獨佔該單位的說法,並非其狀書內的案情,因此,她事實上並沒有作訴基礎 (pleaded case) 去作出以上申述。另外,第二次襲擊與第一次襲擊相隔一年有多,本席認爲前者是獨立於後者的事件,本案中亦無證據顯示在發生第二次襲擊後,被告人再有任何傾向會對原告人使用武力。在這種事實背景情況下,本席認為程律師陳述應就第二次襲擊給予原告人懲罰性的賠償,明顯亦不符合Rookes v Barnard 所指第二種情況,或懲罰性賠償背後的法理原則。

39.  因此,本席並不批准這申索項目。

收入的損失

40.  原告人在其證人供詞聲稱在2013年至2014年期間,她的平均月入為$15,000。原告人似乎是要依倚賴黎醫生的專家意見去追討六個月的收入損失合共$90,000。但她並沒有追討任何將來的收入損失。

41.  黎醫生認為當原告人的精神狀態變得更壞時,她可能需要六個月的病假。但黎醫生卻沒有指出原告人的精神狀態在何時變壞至需要六個月的病假。基於上述的分析,及經小心考慮雙方專家的證供後,本席認為李醫生就原告人因該兩次襲擊所需病假的評估更為合理。本席接納李醫生在病假方面的意見 (見上文第26段),而拒絕接納黎醫生的相關意見。

42.  另外,原告人並沒有提供任何入息文件(譬如糧單或稅單)證明在有關病假時段,她確實有蒙受收入上的損失。其中,本席觀察到,原告人在其證詞並沒有提及在2013年至2014年,她是做什麼工作。她只提及在80至90年代曾在一間紡織廠任職買手,於1997年前每月收入有$20,000左右。在2007年,每月收入更不少於三萬元。但這些同樣只屬她的純粹聲稱,並無任何文件佐證。

43.  相反,聯合醫療報告提及,由於原告人與其男朋友(即被告人)的關係變差,雙方的爭執令她的情緒起伏很大,從而在2009年開始對她的工作能力構成損害,她並由2010年開始完全停止工作[20]。在聯合醫療報告另一處地方亦看到,根據瑪麗醫院精神科於2014年11月28日的診症撮要記錄:「她有與花卉的供應商保持聯絡,最近亦在做一些聖誕樹,打算在新年花卉市場工作,雖然有動力繼續在這行業工作,但亦忙於照顧年老的母親[21]」。在庭上,原告人雖然亦供稱,她有做賣花的生意,但根本而言,她並不能提供任何文件收入證明,顯示其生意賺蝕的情況,及在什麼時段做有關生意。因此,本席認為在本案的情況下並不合理、亦不公允去接受原告人的純粹聲稱。舉證責任在原告人身上,但本席認為她明顯不能成功舉證,去證明在相關時段確實有收入上的損失,若有的話,合理的數額是多少。因此,本席並不批准她所申索的收入損失的項目。

喪失賺取收入能力的損失

44.  原告人這項目的申索為$90,000。雙方專家同意,從精神科的角度來看,原告人因上述兩次襲擊而造成的永久性的損傷對她的賺取收入的能力的影響實屬輕微[22]。他們亦同意原告人可回復至未受襲擊前的就業能力[23]。基於上述的分析及顧及本案的相關證供(尤其是雙方專家的意見),本席並不批准這項目的申索。

進一步及未來的醫療開支

45.  原告人就這項目申索港幣$86,000。兩位專家同意原告人仍需接受精神科治療(包括藥物治療)及心理療法。經小心考慮過兩位專家的相關意見後,本席評定原告人所需接受的精神科治療為12次(按雙方專家的意見,可每4至6星期接受一次精神科治療),而心理治療則需要20次。雙方專家建議原告人可繼續在政府精神科診所接受相關療治。在政府醫院或診所接受相關治療,每次精神科治療的費用約為$200 ,而心理治療則為每次$100;若然向私人執業的精神科醫生及臨床心理學家求診,前者所收取的的診金每次約$2000 ,而後者則約為每次$2000至$2500[24]。

46.  經考慮過相關證據後,本席認為原告人在政府醫院接受有關治療是合理的。其中,除顧及到雙方專家在這方面的建議外,本席亦留意到原告人的精神狀況是穩定的,並無急切需要要往私人執業的精神科醫生或心理醫生接受治療。雙方專家都認為她現時的適應性障礙問題只屬輕微。另外,本案亦無證據顯示政府醫院及診所並不能安排到上述雙方專家所建議的時間,讓原告人去接受相關的治療。

47.  在這方面,本席評定相關合理賠償為$4,400 :-

$(200 x12) + $(100 x 20) = $4,400

專項損害賠償

第一次襲擊

醫療費用

48.  就第一次襲擊,原告人就瑪麗醫院求醫申索醫療費用$3000,另外就東區尤德夫人那打素醫院留醫申索醫療費用$1000 ,但她卻沒有提供任何文件證明這方面的損失。本席認為這兩項申索明顯誇張失實。事實上,程律師到了結案陳詞階段,把兩個項目改為每項$200。本席評定相關合理的醫療支出應爲每項$200,即合共$400。

財物損失(玉墜的遺失)

49.  另外,原告人又聲稱就第一次襲擊事件,她事後遺失了價值$160,000的翡翠玉墜。但原告人並沒有在其證供指出,在發生第一次襲擊時,被告人有損毁了她的玉墜。她亦沒有解釋在發生第一次襲擊的事件後,她是怎樣遺失該玉墜,因而令被告人需負上責任作出賠償。雖然本席有留意到被告人在其證詞提及,就第一次襲擊事件,那時候得悉原告人丟失兩顆吊墜,其中一顆他在樓梯間拾獲,並把它歸還給原告人,但另一顆他卻找不到。他亦提及原告人有可能遺失該吊墜的地方,但本席認為這純屬被告人的個人臆測。根本而言,舉證責任在於原告人身上,去證明她確實在何處遺失其玉墜及在怎樣的情況下遺失,從而令被告人需負上法律責任。但在這方面,經小心觀察相關證據後,本席並不認為原告人能成功舉證,因而並不批准這申索項目。

50.  在不影響上述的前提下,舉證責任亦在於原告人身上去提供所需的證據去證明她所聲稱的遺失玉墜的價值。見:Liu Kwok Chuen v Liu Kwok Chun DCMP 1905 / 2013, 判案書日期2017年6月2日,該判詞第119段 。但原告人只是聲稱於2008年有收藏家曾出二十多萬元購買該玉墜,於2012年拍賣行的估價亦高達$164,000。但這些全屬原告人的純粹聲稱,並非可靠的證據,亦不為本席所接納。因此,就算假設有任何原因被告人要負上賠償責任,本席亦不會批准這項目,因為本席認為原告人同樣未能提供可靠、有效的證據,去證明相關玉墜的實際價值是多少。

交通費

51.  就第一次襲擊事件所申索的$500交通費方面,原告人並沒有提供其明細。但表面上,原告人往來醫院是需花費交通費用。就此項目,本席批准的合理數額為$300。

第二次襲擊

財物損失

52.  就第二次襲擊事件,原告人又聲稱第二次襲擊引致她的眼鏡、手袋、頸鏈、頸巾、頭飾有損毀,令她蒙受損失分別為$1,700 , $8,000 , $500 , $500 及$500。同樣地,本席觀察到在其申索陳述書第7段(即雙方所同意的案情)中,原告人並沒有解釋第二次襲擊如何造成那些物件損毀,或怎樣導致相關損失。雖然,原告人在其證人供詞中有提到,在2014年7月26日當天早上,被告人動手將她拖出該單位外,更將她本人推下門外的樓梯,因而導致她受傷及有財物的損毁。但被告人否認有把她推下樓梯[25]。而本席亦留意到原告人被推下樓梯因而受傷及有財物的損毁這樣重要的案情,卻沒有在申索陳述書[26]或裁判法院所同意的案情撮要[27]中提及,本席拒絕接納原告人這方面的證供。

53.  雖然在裁判法院的案情撮要中有提及被告人把原告人的手袋及其個人物品丟出該單位外。被告人的證人供詞亦有相近的證供。但基於本席上述的裁斷,本案中並無清晰證據顯示被告人把原告人的手袋丟棄在該單位外有否造成任何損毁,若有的話,至何等程度?本席亦無從得知當時被丟棄在該單位外原告人的其他個人物品有否包括所聲稱的眼鏡、頸鏈、頸巾及頭飾。

54.  事實上,該案情撮要亦沒有提及在那次事件中,原告人有任何財物的損失。本席亦看不到原告人有提供其他的證據(譬如她給警方的口供紙),以顯示在該事件中她有投訴有財物損失。

55.  綜合觀察本案所有證據後,本席亦裁斷原告人未能成功舉證,去證明她確實有蒙受所聲稱的財物損失。同樣地,就算上述任何一件財物有損毁的話,基於上文第50段提及的原因,由於她並未能提供所需的證據去證明有關物件的價值是多少,本席亦不會批准有關申索。

旅行團團費等損失

56.  原告人又陳述,因為第二次襲擊事件,她於2014年7月27日被警方拘留,因而不能如期與家人在7月27日按原先的計劃出發到台灣旅行,因未能成行而不能享受與家人去旅行的樂趣,要求索償相關損失$10000,及她本人已支付的團費$4000的損失。

57.  本席認為原告人並沒有有效的法理基礎去追討這兩項的申索。被告人襲擊原告人當然不對,但警方選擇把原告人拘留,是經調查後而作出的獨立決定。事實上,原告人其後在裁判法院,亦同意有關案情撮要,並與被告人一同被判簽保守行為。因此,本席認為,在本案的情況下,警方決定把原告人拘留至7月28日帶上法庭的行為,已構成新的介入行為 (novus actus interveniens),而導致原告人未能在7月27日出發到台灣旅行。有鑑於此,在法理而言,原告人未能如期去旅行,並非由於對該次襲擊事件所導致。

58.  另外,在不影響上述的前提下,本席亦認為原告人這兩項申索,並非被告人可合理地預見或在法律上是屬於太間接的損失(too remote loss),因而亦不爲法庭所接受。

59.  在不影響上述的概括性的前提下,其中,本席顧及到本案中並沒有清晰證據顯示,原告人在2014年7月25日回到該單位後,已告知被告人她會在7月27日與家人到台灣旅行。

60.  雖然程律師指出在裁判法院的案情撮要中,被告人同意原告人在2014年7月25日回該單位,是想執拾一些個人物品以備她在翌日到海外旅行之用。但在該案件中,原告人同樣是被告,她本身亦需要同意一份案情撮要,以供法院一個雙方都同意的事實基礎去判處他們二人簽保守行為。更重要的是,本席亦認為,即使被告人同意該案情撮要的內容,這並不等於在發生第二次襲擊事件前,他已知道原告人返回該單位執拾個人物品的目的。尤其是,當時他們二人而分開居住,關係變得很差。因此,原告人當天返回該單位,並不必然要向被告人交代執拾物品是作旅行之用或何時要去旅行。舉證責任在於原告人,但本席認為她在這方面同樣未能成功舉證。

交通費

61.  至於就第二次襲擊事件原告人追討$500的交通費,她並沒有解釋在什麼情況下所支出的,或如何因該事件所導致。舉證責任在於原告人,但她並不能就這項目成功舉證,因此,這項目亦不被批准。

62.  因此,就專項損害賠償,本席只批准合共港幣$700[28]。

總結

63.  基於上述,本席所評定被告人應向原告人支付損害賠償的項目及其數額總結如下:-

項目賠償數額(港幣)
疼痛、痛苦及喪失生活便利$150,000
加重賠償 $40,000
懲罰性賠償 ---
收入損失---
喪失賺取收入的能力---
進一步及未來醫療支出$4,400
專項損害賠償 $700
合共:$195,100

命令

64.  因此,本席頒令就第一次及第二次襲擊,被告人須向原告人支付的賠償合共爲港幣$195,100。

65.  另外,本席亦頒令被告人須向原告人支付就疼痛、痛苦及喪失生活便利的賠償(即港幣150,000元)的利息,利率以年利率2厘計算,由傳訊令狀送達予被告人之日起計至本判案書的日期為止,其後的利息,則以判定利率計算,直至全數清償為止。至於專項損害賠償(即合共港幣700元)的利息,則以香港匯豐銀行最優惠利率+1厘計算,由2013年3月17日起計,至本判案書日期為止,其後的利息,以判定利率計算,直至全數清償為止。

訟費

66.  由於原告人成功向被告人索償,表面上,被告人需向原告人支付其訟費。但在另一方面,本席認為,基於上述的分析,原告人明顯不合理地就懲罰性賠償、收入損失、財物損失等項目作出申索,亦有顯著誇大其索償金額。本席認為申索人這些不合理的行為,令本案及審訊不必要地延長,從而亦令雙方訟費有所增加;浪費了法庭不少時間與資源。顧及到區域法院規則第62號命令第5(1)(e)條規則及第5(2)條規則的相關事宜,宏觀地看及基於公允的原則,本席認為就被告人向原告人支付的本案的訟費應作出20%的合理扣減。見:CEP Limited v Wuxi Jiacheng Solar Energy Technology Co Ltd [2014] 4 HKLRD 44,該判詞第22至24段。

67.  因此,本席作出訟費暫准命令,被告人須向原告人支付本案的訟費(包括法庭命令一第2段及法庭命令二第2段所提及的保留訟費)的80%。如雙方未能同意訟費的數額,則由法庭評定。除非與訟任何一方於14天內向法庭提出申請更改以上訟費暫准命令;否則,是項暫准命令便成為絕對命令。

 ( 何世文 )
 區域法院暫委法官

原告人:由程明裕律師行的程明裕律師代表

被告人:沒有律師代表,並親自應訊



[1] 文件冊第84-85頁

[2] 文件冊第87-88頁

[3] 文件冊第16-17頁

[4] 文件冊第11-12頁

[5] 文件冊第13-15頁

[6] 文件冊第133-134頁第32段; 第165-166頁

[7] 文件冊第138頁第38段;第149頁第1段;

[8] 文件冊第134頁第33段

[9] 文件冊第138頁第39段;第149頁第71段;第152頁第83(ii)段

[10] 文件冊第146頁第67-68段;第148頁第69(vi)段;第149頁第71段

[11] 文件冊第141-142頁第49-50段;第151頁第77段;第153頁第85(vi)段;

[12] 文件冊第135頁第35段;第136頁 (30/10/15及11/3/16);第138頁第39(c)段;第146頁第65段

[13] 文件冊第138頁第39段;第142-143頁第54段;第147頁第69(iii)段;第152頁第83(iii)段

[14] 亦參見:上訴庭的相關裁決(Ng Cho Chu Judy v Chan Wing Hung [2017] 4 HKLRD 396)

[15] 見上文第7段

[16] 文件冊第158.22頁第G及T段

[17] 文件冊第141頁第48段

[18] 文件冊第143頁第58段

[19] CACV 247/2002 ,判案書日期:2003年2月6日

[20] 文件冊第142頁第52段

[21] 文件冊第135頁第35段

[22] 文件冊第139頁第42-43段;第141-142頁第49-50段;第150頁第76段;第153頁第85(vi)段

[23] 文件冊第153頁第85(vii)段

[24] 文件冊第150頁第74段

[25] 見:被告人證人供詞第18段

[26] 見:申索陳述書第7段

[27] 文件冊第158.38-159.39頁

[28] 見上文第48及51段

103556-EN-2016-04-13

NG CHO CHU JUDY v. CHAN WING HUNG

HTML content

DCPI 655 /2015

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

PERSONAL INJURIES ACTION NO. 655 OF 2015

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

BETWEEN NG CHO CHU JUDY (吳楚珠) Plaintiff
and
CHAN WING HUNG (陳永雄)Defendant

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

Coram: Deputy District Judge L C Cheng in Chambers (open to public)
Date of Hearing: 26 August 2015
Date of Handing Down Decision: 13 April 2016

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

DECISION

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

Background

1. In this case, the plaintiff claims against the defendant for damages of personal injuries resulting from 2 alleged assaults by the defendant on 15 March 2013 (“First Assault”) and 26 July 2014 (“Second Assault”) respectively.

2. Through a number of correspondences between the solicitors for both parties, the parties had exchanged documents prior to the commencement of this action. On 27 March 2015, the plaintiff issued the writ of summons. On 28 March 2015, the plaintiff took out a summons for an order of discovery of “all statements given to the police by the defendant in relation to the First Assault in 2013” (“the Police Statement”).

3. The first call-over hearing of the plaintiff’s summons was heard by the learned master on 16 April 2015. On that day, by consent, an order of discovery of the Police Statement was granted. Then, Mr Ching, solicitor appearing for the plaintiff, applied for costs on the ground that costs should follow events. The defendant, who was acting in person at that time, opposed.

4. Argument for costs of the plaintiff’s summons was then adjourned to 8 May 2015. On that day, Mr Chan, solicitor appearing for the defendant, informed the learned master that the defendant had already complied with the order of discovery and confirmed that the Police Statement so disclosed was identical to those that had already been disclosed on 6 March 2015. Mr Chan submitted that the plaintiff’s summons was premature and unnecessary and therefore applied for costs on full indemnity basis.

5. On 15 May 2015, the learned master decided that “costs of and incidental to the plaintiff’s summons to be paid by the plaintiff to the defendant forthwith, to be taxed if not agreed” (“the Decision”).

The appeal

6. By way of a Notice of Appeal filed on 28 May 2015, the plaintiff appeals against the Decision. 

Legalprinciple

7. In this appeal, Mr Ching submitted that,

“This appeal is a de novo hearing. The matter of costs is within the discretion of the court. The learned Judge hearing the appeal will have to exercise her discretion judicially and afresh. It is not necessary for the learned judge to find fault or error of the learned Master before making a different order from that of the learned Master.”[1]

8. It is true that “an appeal from the master to the judge in chambers is dealt with by way of an actual rehearing of the application which led to the order under appeal, and the judge treats the matter as though it came before him for the first time” (see Hong Kong CivilProcedure 2015, Vol 1, §58/1/2).

9. However, this appeal only relates to the order of costs made by the learned master. Hong Kong Civil Procedure 2015, Vol 1, §58/1/6 clearly states that :

“In general, a judge in chambers will not allow an appeal from a master’s costs order unless it is unreasonable or the master erred in law…… Paul Y-ITC Constructions Ltd v Kin Shing Co Ltd [1999] 1 HKC 511 at 515 per Sakhrani J : “as this is an appeal as to costs only from the discretion of the master, such application should not be allowed unless it can be shown that the order made by the master was unreasonable or erred in law, ie, if he either failed to take into account proper matters or took into account matters that should not have been taken into account.”

10. I bear in mind this legal principle in this appeal.

Discussion

11. Practice Directions 18.1, correctly referred to by the learned master in the Decision, requires that a letter of claim should be sent no later than 4 months prior to the commencement of proceedings, and the proposed defendant should reply constructively. If such reply is received within one month, the parties should over the next 3 months communicate constructively and provide mutual disclosure of information and documents with respect to the issues on liability and quantum as are reasonably required for attempting to settle the claim in whole or in part.

12. The learned master, before making up her mind, succinctly summarized all the relevant pre-action correspondences exchanged between both parties at §§7 to 23 of the Decision, which are reproduced below :

“7. The very first letter dated 12 November 2014 was a standard pre-action letter where the defendant was first informed of the intended personal injury action and was asked to disclose documents, inter alia, the police statements.

8. The defendant’s solicitors replied on 12 December 2014, in turn asked the plaintiff’s solicitors to disclose documents, inter alia, the plaintiff’s police witness statements. The defendant’s solicitors made it clear that the action was still at an early stage, as investigation was on-going, they invited the plaintiff’s solicitors to refrain from commencing legal proceedings.

9. The plaintiff’s solicitors replied on 3 January 2014, theycomplained the defendant’s solicitors failed to disclose the defendant’s police statements.

10. On 12 January 2015, the defendant’s solicitors agreed to exchange the defendant’s police statements with the plaintiff, and alerted the plaintiff’s solicitors that mutual disclosure of information and documents shall be done within 3 months in accordance with paragraph 19 of the Practice Directions 18.1.

11. The plaintiff’s solicitors issued two letters dated 21 January 2015 and 3 February 2015 to press the defendant’s solicitors for exchange of their respective police statements.

12. The defendant’s solicitors replied on 3 February 2015, stating (i) they are in possession of two police records of interview of the defendant relating to the 2014 assault; (ii) the defendant is retrieving relevant police record of interview relating to the 2013 assault and those will be ready for exchange in due course.

13. On 4 February 2015, the plaintiff’s solicitors demanded exchange of police statements in relation to the 2013 assault within next 7 days.

14. On 5 February 2015, the defendant’s solicitors disclosed 2 police records of interview relating to the 2014 assault to the plaintiff’s solicitors.

15. On 6 March 2015, the defendant’s solicitors informed the plaintiff’s solicitors that police statements for both 2013 and 2014 assaults were ready for exchange. In the 2nd letter dated the same date, the defendant’s solicitors disclosed (i) two police notebook records; and (ii) a record of interview.

16. For the first time, on 10 March 2015, the plaintiff’s solicitors requested the defendant to confirm he gave no witness statement to the police in relation to the 2013 assault.

17. On 13 March 2015, the defendant’s solicitors complained the plaintiff failed to disclose the witness statement of the plaintiff relating to the 2013 assault.

18. On 16 March 2015, the plaintiff solicitors complained repeatedly that they have not received any statement made to the police by the defendant relating to the 2013 assault.

19. Letters dated 17, 18 and 20 March 2015 contained clarifications from both parties.

20. The plaintiff’s solicitors complained to the defendant’s failure to disclose the police statements in their letters dated 24 and 27 March 2015.

21. On 27 March 2015, the plaintiff issued the Writ of Summons.

22. On 28 March 2015, the plaintiff issued and served the plaintiff’s summons on the defendant.

23. On 13 April 2015, the defendant’s solicitors stated the three statements disclosed in the 2nd letter dated 6 March 2015 were all the statements the defendant had received from the police in relation to both the 2013 and 2014 assaults.”

13. I find that the learned master had correctly summarized contents of all the relevant pre-action correspondences in the Decision.

14. The learned master decided that there was no fault on the part of the defendant’s solicitors, who acted promptly in accordance with paragraph 19 of Practice Directions 18.1, and had disclosed the Police Statement to the plaintiff’s solicitors on 6 March 2015.

15. The learned master further decided that the plaintiff’s summons was premature. In light of the conducts of the parties, the plaintiff was ordered to pay costs, though not on an indemnity basis.

16. In this appeal hearing, Mr Ching emphasized that at all material times, the plaintiff was demanding the police statements for both the First Assault and the Second Assault. In reply, the defendant’s solicitors merely gave a police statement in relation to the First Assault contained in a police notebook instead of in the form of a record of interview (Pol 857). The defendant’s solicitors never openly admitted that there was no record of interview given by the defendant in relation to the First Assault. Mr Ching therefore submitted that the plaintiff was at that juncture led into belief that such a record of interview existed and the plaintiff’s summons was necessary.

17. In reply, Mr Chan pointed out that the defendant’s solicitors never said that the defendant made any record of interview (Pol 857) to the police in relation to the First Assault. Further, from all correspondences exchanged between the defendant’s solicitors and the police, it transpires that the defendant’s solicitors had endeavoured in locating all relevant documents from the police. They did not hide any documents retrieved from the police. Therefore, from as early as 3 February 2015, the plaintiff had been put on notice that the defendant did not have in his possession any police statement for the First Assault to produce. Therefore, whatever the defendant was able to produce must be those obtained from the police.

18. Mr Chan further submitted that although the defendant consented to the plaintiff’s summons, it was simply in order to remove the possibility that the police might have overlooked their records. An extra step of making a further inquiry with the police did not mean that the plaintiff’s summons was properly (or not pre-maturely) taken out.

19. Having considered all the correspondences, I am not persuaded by Mr Ching’s submission.

20. The defendant’s solicitors had made constructive reply to the plaintiff’s solicitors. The defendant did not hide any document from the plaintiff. The indisputable fact is that Police Statement was disclosed prior to the plaintiff’s summons.

21. Mr Ching criticised that the defendant had never made it clear that if a record of interview (Pol 857) existed. In this regard, I accept the learned master’s reasoning at §30 of the Decision :

“I accept Mr Chan’s submission that in the police notebook disclosed in the 2nd letter on 6 March 2015 was in fact a cautioned statement of the defendant taken on the date of the assault. It is expected the request of the plaintiff’s solicitors has been answered. As Mr Chan has rightly submitted, there is no hard fast rule that statements made to police must be in form of a Pol 857, it is redundant for the defendant to make such admission at all.”

22. The learned master had grasped all relevant facts and was totally correct in holding that in exercising the discretion as to costs, the court should take into account, inter alia, the underlying objectives as set out in Order 1A rule 1 of the Rules of District Court and the conduct of the parties. The correspondences exchanged between the parties show that at all times, the defendant’s solicitors were willing to, and in fact did, disclose all relevant statements, including the Police Statement, to the plaintiff’s solicitors before the plaintiff’s summons.

23. Although the defendant consented to the plaintiff’s summons, the learned master explained clearly the situation in §31 of the Decision :

“It is worth mentioning the defendant ….. has indicated he has already disclosed all statements made to police to the plaintiff’s solicitors in call over hearing on 16 April 2015. Yet he has made a second attempt to reconfirm with the police that they have not left out any statements made by him in relations to the 2013 assault. …. Being sensible, he conceded to an order for disclosure.” (my emphasis)

24. The “concession” made by the defendant on the first call over hearing date was apparently not because of any non-disclosure of document. It was, as rightly pointed out by the learned master, merely a sensibly decision to have the matter reconfirmed.

25. At the end, the plaintiff’s summons was unnecessary as the defendant had already disclosed the Police Statement at the pre-action stage. In the circumstance, the plaintiff’s summons served no useful purpose. It was correctly described by the learned master as “pre-mature”.

Conclusion

26. I find that Mr Ching failed to point out to me any error on the part of the learned master. To conclude, the Decision was not unreasonable. The learned master did not fail to take into account proper matters or took into account matters that should not have been taken into account. Further, I fully agree with the reasons given by the learned master in the Decision. So, even if I were required to exercise my discretion afresh, I would have arrived at the same decision as the learned master did.

27. In the circumstance, the appeal is dismissed.

Costs

28. Costs should follow event.  There be a nisi order that the costs of and occasioned by this appeal be to the defendant, to be taxed if not agreed, and to be paid forthwith. The cost order nisi will become absolute after 14 days in the absence of any application to vary the same.

 (L C Cheng)
 Deputy District Judge

 

Mr Ching Ming Yu, of Ching & Co, for the plaintiff

Mr Chan Chi Hung, of So, Lung & Associates, for the defendant


[1] Paragraph 1 of the plaintiff’s skeleton submission

98446-EN-2015-05-15

NG CHO CHU JUDY v. CHAN WING HUNG

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DCPI655/2015

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

PERSONAL INJURIES ACTION NO 655 OF 2015

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BETWEEN  
 NG CHO CHU JUDY (吳楚珠)Plaintiff
and 
 CHAN WING HUNG (陳永雄)Defendant

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Before : Master J Chow in Chambers (Open to public)
Dates of Hearing : 16 April 2015 & 8 May 2015
Date of Decision : 15 May 2015

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DECISION

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Introduction

1.  This is a decision on costs. The defendant conceded to the plaintiff’s summons filed on 28 March 2015 (“the plaintiff’s summons”), the issue is whether the plaintiff is entitled to costs.

The plaintiff’s summons

2.  The plaintiff issued the Writ of Summons on 27 March 2015 for the purpose of taking out the plaintiff’s summons for an order of discovery of “all statements given to the police by the defendant in relation to the First Assault in 2013” (“the police statements”).  The personal injury action, as suggested in the plaintiff’s summons, relates to two assaults committed by the defendant on 15 March 2013 and 26 July 2014 which had caused physical injuries on the plaintiff (“the 2013 and 2014 assaults”).

3.  The parties’ solicitors had a series of correspondence at the pre-action stage with regard to, inter alia, disclosure of the police statements.

4.  On 16 April 2015, in the call over hearing of the plaintiff’s summons, Mr. Ching appeared for the plaintiff and the defendant acted in person.  By consent of the defendant, an order of discovery of the police statements was granted.  Mr. Ching submitted costs should follow the event, he applied for costs of the plaintiff’s summons. The defendant opposed.  As I aware it is pertinent to consider the all relevant correspondence between the parties prior to the issuance of the plaintiff’s summons, I adjourned the plaintiff’s summons to 8 May 2015 for argument on costs.  The defendant’s solicitors appeared for the defendant in the hearing on 8 May 2015.

5.  Mr. Chan, solicitors for the defendant submitted, the defendant has complied with the order of discovery and had confirmed the police statements have been disclosed to the plaintiff on 22 April 2015.  He emphasized, the police statements disclosed pursuant to the order was identical to those disclosed by the defendant on 6 March 2015, although the defendant conceded to an order of discovery, the plaintiff’s summons is premature and unnecessary. The defendant seeks costs of the plaintiff’s summons, on an indemnity basis.

6.  The issue in this costs application are (i) whether the plaintiff’s summons is premature; (ii) when the defendant conceded an order for  disclosure of the police statements, whether the plaintiff should be entitled to costs.

A chronology

7.  The very first letter dated 12 November 2014 was a standard pre-action letter where the defendant was first informed of the intended personal injury action and was asked to disclose documents, inter alia, the police statements.

8.  The defendant’s solicitors replied on 12 December 2014, in turn asked the plaintiff’s solicitors to disclose documents, inter alia, the plaintiff’s police witness statements. The defendant’s solicitors made it clear that the action was still at an early stage, as investigation was on-going, they invited the plaintiff’s solicitors to refrain from commencing legal proceedings.

9.  The plaintiff’s solicitors replied on 3 January 2014, theycomplained the defendant’s solicitors failed to disclose the defendant’s police statements.

10.  On 12 January 2015, the defendant’s solicitors agreed to exchange the defendant’s police statements with the plaintiff, and alerted the plaintiff’s solicitors that mutual disclosure of information and documents shall be done within 3 months in accordance with paragraph 19 of the Practice Directions 18.1.

11.  The plaintiff’s solicitors issued two letters dated 21 January 2015 and 3 February 2015 to press the defendant’s solicitors for exchange of their respective police statements. 

12.  The defendant’s solicitors replied on 3 February 2015, stating (i) they are in possession of two police records of interview of the defendant relating to the 2014 assault; (ii) the defendant is retrieving relevant police record of interview relating to the 2013 assault and those will be ready for exchange in due course.

13.  On 4 February 2015, the plaintiff’s solicitors demanded exchange of police statements in relation to the 2013 assault within next 7 days.

14.  On 5 February 2015, the defendant’s solicitors disclosed 2 police records of interview relating to the 2014 assault to the plaintiff’s solicitors.

15.  On 6 March 2015, the defendant’s solicitors informed the plaintiff’s solicitors that police statements for both 2013 and 2014 assaults were ready for exchange.  In the 2nd letter dated the same date, the defendant’s solicitors disclosed (i) two police notebook records; and (ii) a record of interview.

16.  For the first time, on 10 March 2015, the plaintiff’s solicitors requested the defendant to confirm he gave no witness statement to the police in relation to the 2013 assault.

17.  On 13 March 2015, the defendant’s solicitors complained the plaintiff failed to disclose the witness statement of the plaintiff relating to the 2013 assault.

18.  On 16 March 2015, the plaintiff solicitors complained repeatedly that they have not received any statement made to the police by the defendant relating to the 2013 assault.

19.  Letters dated 17, 18 and 20 March 2015 contained clarifications from both parties. 

20.  The plaintiff’s solicitors complained to the defendant’s failure to disclose the police statements in their letters dated 24 and 27 March 2015.

21.  On 27 March 2015, the plaintiff issued the Writ of Summons.

22.  On 28 March 2015, the plaintiff issued and served the plaintiff’s summons on the defendant.

23.  On 13 April 2015, the defendant’s solicitors stated the three statements disclosed in the 2nd letter dated 6 March 2015 were all the statements the defendant had received from the police in relation to both the 2013 and 2014 assaults.

Applicable legal principles

24.  It is specifically stated in Order 62 rule 5(1) of the Rules of District Court, Cap 336H, in exercising discretion as to costs, the court should take into account, inter alia, the underlying objectives as set out in Order 1A rule 1 of the Rules of District Court and the conduct of the parties[1]. The conduct of the parties, Order 62 rule 5(2)(d) expressly  includes the conduct before, as well as during, the proceedings.

25.  In this costs application, paragraph 19 of the Practice Directions 18.1 is also relevant:-

“The letter of claim should be sent no later than 4 months prior to the commencement of proceedings, and the proposed defendant(s) or insurer(s) concerned should reply constructively thereto within one month. A simple acknowledgement is not a constructive reply. If there is no such reply, the claimant will be entitled to commence proceedings forthwith without risk as to costs arising out of non-compliance of this paragraph. If such reply is received within one month, the parties should over the next 3 months communicate constructively and provide mutual disclosure of information and documents with respect to issues of liability and quantum (including, without limitation, the information and documents identified in Schedules A and B of the specimen letter which have not already been served) as are reasonably required for attempting to settle the claim in whole or in part, instructing medical expert(s) and / or arranging expert medical examination (see paragraph 22 hereof).”

Discussion

26.  I see no fault on the part of the defendant’s solicitors.  They acted promptly in accordance with paragraph 19 of the Practice Directions 18.1.  When the plaintiff’s solicitors issued the pre-action letter on 12 November 2014, the defendant’s solicitors duly replied within one month period.  The defendant’s solicitors have rightly pointed out in their letter dated 12 January 2015 that a 3-month period shall be allowed for the parties to effect mutual discovery.

27.  The plaintiff’s solicitors emphasized the disclosure of the  defendant’s statement(s) “made to the police”.  Mr. Ching maintained his view that the defendant had failed to disclose his police statements and refused to state whether it existed.  Mr. Ching explained the necessity and urgency of obtaining those statements at the pre-action stage because the plaintiff was in need of the police statements in assessing the defendant’s liability, the plaintiff’s injury and quantum.  

28.  I have reservation. Mr. Ching was in possession of the plaintiff’s police witness statement, he could have taken instructions from the plaintiff in formulating the claim.  Coupled with the fact that defendant pleaded guilty and was convicted of one count of wounding on 9 April 2013, it formed the basis of a personal injury claim against the defendant.  Secondly, in quantifying the plaintiff’s claim, at the pre-action stage, the medical reports of treatment and care are vital evidence.

29.  Reasonable time ought to be allowed for the defendant to make attempts to retrieve his statements made to police.  Taking into the account the fact that the defendant’s solicitors’ constructive reply and had disclosed the police statements to the plaintiff’s solicitors on 6March 2015, I find the defendant’s solicitors were neither delaying the intended personal injury action nor withholding the police statements during the pre-action stage.  

30.  After the defendant’s solicitors have duly provided the plaintiff with the defendant’s police statements.  The plaintiff’s solicitors  discovered such statements relating to the 2013 assault was contained in a police notebook, not in form of a record of interview (Pol 857).  Mr. Ching then pressed the defendant’s solicitors to admit there was no statement (in form of a record of interview) given by the defendant to the police in 2013 assault.  I accept Mr. Chan’s submission that in the police notebook disclosed in the 2nd letter on 6March 2015 was in fact a cautioned statement of the defendant taken on the date of the assault. It is expected the request of the plaintiff’s solicitors has been answered. As Mr. Chan has rightly submitted, there is no hard fast rule that statements made to police must be in form of a Pol 857, it is redundant for the defendant to make such admission at all.

31.  It is worth mentioning the defendant (a litigant in person) has indicated he has already disclosed all statements made to police to the plaintiff’s solicitors in call over hearing on 16 April 2015.  Yet he has made a second attempt to reconfirm with the police that they have not left out any statements made by him in relation to the 2013 assault.  He submitted a letter issued by the police which invited the defendant to collect his statements.  Being sensible, he conceded to an order for disclosure.

32.  Costs of the plaintiff’s summons should be assessed in light of the conduct of the parties (a requirement in Order 62 rule 5(2)(d)), it is well noted in the correspondence leading to the plaintiffs summons.  I must say, there are good reasons the defendant should entitle to costs of the plaintiff’s summons. The defendant’s solicitors endeavoured every opportunity to invite the plaintiff to withhold issuance of Writ of Summons at the pre-action stage, pending investigation and discovery.  Albeit the defendant’s solicitors did not state in the correspondence that he has made no statements to the police other than the notebook cautioned statement. I fail to see it is a compelling reason that warrants the plaintiff’s solicitors to issue the Writ of Summons (and the plaintiff’s summons) at this early stage.  

33.  More importantly, the defendant’s solicitors were at all times willing to disclose the police statements to the plaintiff’s solicitors (see letter dated 3 February 2015). I see both parties are engaging in constructive communication for discovery and investigation during the 3-month period as prescribed in paragraph 19 of the Practice Directions 18.1.

34.  In this regard, the plaintiff’s summons is premature.  I am satisfied the costs of and incidental to the plaintiff’ summons should be borne by the plaintiff.  Nevertheless, I disagree with Mr. Chan submissions that the plaintiff should pay such costs on an indemnity basis.  No conclusion can be drawn that the conduct of the plaintiff’s solicitors were utterly unreasonable, only that the plaintiff’s summons was taken out prematurely. 

Conclusion

35.  I order the costs of and incidental to the plaintiff’s summons to be paid by the plaintiff to the defendant forthwith, to be taxed if not agreed.

 ( J Chow )
 Master

Mr Ching Ming Yue, of Ching & Co, for the plaintiff

The defendant, acting in person on 16 April 2015 and Mr Joe Chan, of So, Lung & Associates on 8 May 2015, for the defendant.

[1] Respectively in Order 62 rule 5(1)(aa) and (e) of the Rules of District Court.