Teenager arrested for 'New Year's Eve rape'
Police have arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl, and another two men for perverting the course of justice. The pair allegedly met in a Mong Kok pub on New Year's Eve. She was then taken to his flat in Yau Ma Tei. The next day, she told two male friends about the attack, and they reportedly tried to extort more than HK$5,000 from the man. Officers arrested the victim's two friends on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. Police said the three were likely to be released on bail because officers needed more time to collect evidence.
Carpet corruption sends clerk to jail
A former senior clerk at a motor service firm was sentenced to two months' jail for accepting bribes of up to HK$63,000 from the director of a supplier - and for not reporting defects with the company's carpets. Wong Shun-man, 43, of Dah Chong Hong (Motor Service Centre), was charged by the Independent Commission Against Corruption and sentenced at Kwun Tong Court. He was also ordered to pay Dah Chong Hong HK$30,000 as restitution.
Rush hour at Hong Kong box office in 2012
Hong Kong Theatres Association reported total box office revenue for the city last year was more than HK$1.5 billion - up 11.74 per cent from 2011. The top box office foreign film of 2012 was The Avengers, taking more than HK$97 million. And the top box office Chinese-language film of last year was Cold War, which drew over HK$42 million. There are 47 theatres in the city, with 206 screens - 11 on Hong Kong Island, 20 in Kowloon and 16 in the New Territories.
Shek Kip Mei project locked in legal dispute
The main contractor for a redevelopment at Shek Kip Mei Estate is seeking damages from a subcontractor for allegedly failing to complete its work. Chinney Construction Company filed a writ at the High Court on Monday against Meet Stream Company for its work at block 41, which is being converted into a hostel. Chinney claims Meet Stream failed to carry out the work in its sub-contract regularly and diligently. Chinney says Meet Stream has not paid its employees' wages, and staff have staged a protest.
Lantau cable car to be halted for maintenance
The Ngong Ping 360 cable car, run by MTR Corporation from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, will be suspended for scheduled maintenance on January 30 and 31. Ngong Ping Village will remain open. Visitors are advised to take a bus or taxi to the village. Hong Kong identity card holders whose birthdays fall on the dates will still be able to get free ride offers on other dates this month.