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Sara Bradford

A maths whiz hit a neighbour over the head with a hammer in a failed attempt to steal money for his school fees.

The Court of First Instance heard the attack by Yeung Hung, 17, shocked his teachers and parents as it was out of character for the teenager who competed in maths competitions, donated blood and played in the school orchestra.

Yeung has pleaded guilty to one count of assault with intent to rob.

Government lawyer Alice Chan said Yeung attacked Wong Chung-ting, 20, as she was leaving home for work on October 20, 2002.

Ms Chan said after  Ms Wong was struck on the head,  she turned around to see Yeung wielding a hammer. She yelled out for help and other neighbours rushed over to subdue Yeung.

She asked Yeung why he hit her and he replied he needed a few hundred dollars for school fees. Ms Wong was taken to hospital but was not seriously injured.

Defence lawyer James McGowan said this was an 'extremely rare' instance where the court should make a training centre  order instead of imposing a deterrent jail sentence.

He said his client had apologised for attacking Ms Wong only a day after he helped fix her water main.

Compensation had been offered by Yeung's parents.

Mr McGowan said his client had reacted in a foolish and naive way after his teacher told him in front of his  class that his school fees were overdue. Yeung's parents had set aside money for the  fees but a banking glitch prevented the payment.  Yeung jumped to the conclusion  they had money problems.

'He decided rather than seeking help from his parents and discussing it with his parents, he would do something himself,' Mr McGowan said.

Mr Justice Michael Lunn adjourned sentencing until March 9 for  reports and Yeung was remanded in custody.



Model student bashed neighbour with hammer in failed bid for school fees