Teenagers spared prison
THE Court of Appeal yesterday quashed the jail sentences of two teenagers, instead sending them to a training centre.
Ma Wai-kit, 16, who took part in three robberies, and Cheung Kam-tak, 17, who took part in one and handled stolen goods, had admitted the charges.
They were sentenced to 51/2 years and five years' jail, respectively, by Deputy Judge Burrell.
Their accomplices, Cheung Wing-wai, 30, who admitted two of the holdups, and Tsui Ying-hung, 33, who admitted one, were each given a seven-year jail term.
The court heard that the Mannings shop in Repulse Bay was robbed on November 3 and 14, 1991, and a Wellcome supermarket in Nathan Road was raided on January 19, 1992.
Robbers with knives seized nearly $140,000 cash.
Counsel for the two teenagers, Mr Luke McGuinniety, submitted that his clients had been under the influence of older men.
Crown Counsel Mr Philip Ross argued for a deterrent sentence.
