A government counsel was criticised by a judge yesterday for being late for court and not being dressed properly. District Court deputy judge Andre Ma Hon-cheung made the comment in a heroin-trafficking case being prosecuted by Simon Tso. The judge opened the court at 9:35am, five minutes after the case should have started, with only defence lawyer So Ho-ming in attendance. Two minutes later, Mr Tso rushed into the courtroom and started to put on his gown. 'Do you know what time the court should have started?' the judge said. 'Everybody here is ready. As a representative for the prosecution and your profession, you should have been here and ready.' While apologising, Mr Tso explained he had arrived 15 minutes earlier than required. As he found Mr So had not arrived yet, he went to the toilet. He also sought instructions from the Customs officer in charge of the case. Deputy Judge Ma asked Mr Tso to explain why he had not put on his gown if he had arrived that early. Mr Tso apologised again and told the judge he had to take off the gown before going to the toilet. Judge Ma made no further comment and started the case.
