Paul Au's 75-year-old father, Au Chak, was so overcome last night after learning his son is soon to be released that he could not speak.
So he wrote a note to thank everyone who had helped the family.
'I'm very happy that Wing-cheung is returning home. I missed him very much all these years and feel grateful to the Hong Kong people who offered their support,' he wrote at their Wong Tai Sin public housing flat.
The travel guide's mother, Au Yeung Kit, 70, said: 'I'm very happy that he is returning home. He has suffered so much for crimes he never committed.' Mrs Au said her son gave up his job in a hotel to work as a sales representative in the travel agency to increase his experience in tourism. He was unlucky to be asked to lead a tour only three days after starting the new job.
She managed to visit her son once in prison two years ago.
'He never lost hope he would be released,' said Mrs Au. 'He knew a lot of people were supporting him, including the Governor.'
