EIGHT self-confessed criminals are back on the streets after cutting a deal with the Government to help convict four of their 'brothers'.
The informers, who cannot be named, agreed to testify against the Top One Karaoke killers in exchange for freedom.
Three of the defendants were jailed for life on murder charges while one, convicted of manslaughter, is due to be sentenced tomorrow for his part in the Tsim Sha Tsui karaoke bar fire-bombing which killed 17 people in January last year.
The informers, all Sun Yee On triad members, faced jail terms in connection with the attack. They were charged with either conspiracy to cause actual bodily harm or conspiracy to commit arson.
Security was tight when the star witness took the stand, with more than 10 members of the police Witness Protection Unit standing guard.
Spectators were searched before officers allowed them to enter the courtroom to listen to the proceedings.
One informer told the Court of First Instance he had been arrested on suspicion of the karaoke bar murders.
