A MERCHANT attacked a fellow trader with a hammer over a business debt, the High Court heard yesterday. But Leung Che-chung, 30, and co-accused Ng Kwok-chiu, 22, also a trader, deny wounding with intent. Prosecutor Yasmin Mahomed told the court Leung had known 29-year-old Siu Sang-wah since 1987 when they were both working in a Kwai Chung factory. Last year, they started their own businesses, with Leung ordering electric circuit boards from Mr Siu. It was alleged that in June last year, Leung ordered goods worth $200,000 from Mr Siu but did not settle the payment. On July 25, Leung telephoned Mr Siu saying he would pay him by cheque. But when he arrived at the victim's office an hour later, he claimed to have forgotten his cheque book. Leung and Ng, who was waiting in the car, then drove Mr Siu to Leung's office in Shamshuipo. Mr Siu told the court Leung gave him a cheque for $30,000 and said he would settle the difference later. Then suddenly, someone pulled a string around Mr Siu's neck. He struggled, he said, but Leung pressed him down hard on the chair and struck his head with a hammer. The court heard Mr Siu tried to grab the hammer but failed and was hit on the head about 10 times. He was bleeding profusely and felt dizzy, but managed to stagger down to a restaurant for help. The court heard police caught the defendants after they jumped to the street from the building's podium. The trial continues before Mr Justice Gall.
