THE key witness in tycoon Albert Yeung Sau-shing's trial for criminal intimidation and false imprisonment said yesterday that he could not remember his alleged ordeal.
On the first day of the trial of his former boss, Michael Lam Yih-jiun pleaded to be excused from the stand, claiming he was 'frightened' and that he had a heart condition.
He said he was unable to recall answers to questions put to him by prosecutor Alan Lucas and said: 'I am very frightened. I do not want to give evidence.' He said the questions were putting great pressure on him and making his heart beat fast.
Emperor Group chairman Yeung, 50, is accused of falsely imprisoning Mr Lam for several hours, initially at the Mandarin Hotel and later in an office after threatening to break his leg.
He has denied criminal intimidation and false imprisonment.
In April, after a second alleged incident, he was charged with perverting the course of justice for allegedly trying to stop Mr Lam giving evidence against him, a charge to which he has pleaded not guilty.