A JUDGE'S good looks and charming manner so impressed a taxi driver that he shrugged off the disappointment of losing his case yesterday and offered him a free ride in his cab.
Mr Justice Keith gave a beaming smile when Lau Kwong-chi, 64, looked at him across the court and said: 'You are handsome, my lord.' The dashing judge replied: 'Thank you for the compliment. I hope you think I am also just.' He had just dismissed Mr Lau's appeal against a careless driving conviction.
The taxi driver said: 'I am disappointed with your decision. But I admire the way you handled the case.' He added: 'I hope you will hire my taxi one day. I will give you a free ride.' Mr Justice Keith said: 'You are very generous. I look forward to hiring your taxi. But I will pay the fare.' The taxi driver had come to the High Court to launch an appeal against his conviction at Western Court.
He had been given an absolute discharge, the most lenient sentence which can be imposed, but was ordered to pay $400 costs.
His testimony was translated into English by an interpreter. Mr Lau represented himself. Barrister Wesley Wong acted for the Crown.
The taxi driver told Mr Justice Keith that the magistrate was wrong to convict him, claiming the prosecution witness had lied.
'I am an honest man of unblemished character,' Mr Lau said.
