A former policeman and his wife were jailed yesterday for blackmailing and locking up three mahjong players they accused of cheating.
Former constable Cheng Tak-chau, 42, was found guilty of blackmail, false imprisonment and assault and was jailed for 2.5 years.
District Court Judge Wong Hing-chun jailed Cheng's wife, Wu Suk-yin, 43, for 15 months after she was found guilty of blackmail and false imprisonment.
Judge Wong said the tactics and methods used had been similar to those of loansharks. She said Cheng had taken an active role, uttering threats and using force, while Wu had not used violence.
Another accused, Tam Sau-shan, 32, was jailed for six months for false imprisonment and possessing cannabis and Leung Chun-tung, 24, was sentenced to 26 months for false imprisonment and assault.
Senior government prosecutor Lily Ho said Wu had asked a couple, Tang Lung-tim and Chow Shuk-king, to visit their Causeway Bay flat to play mahjong. Cheng had accused them of cheating and had beaten Mr Tang's head and hands with his fists and a ruler.
