Man admits to mahjong school raid with toy gun
An unemployed man tried to rob a mahjong school with his son's toy pistol, the Court of First Instance heard yesterday. Peter Chow Tat-hi, 50, held seven staff at gunpoint at the Tai Loy Mahjong School in Ma Tau Wai Road, Hunghom, but was overpowered when he tried to reach inside the cashier's counter. He pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.
In mitigation, defence counsel said Chow was driven to the crime because of financial hardship supporting his family and repaying a mortgage and $200,000 borrowed from relatives. Deputy Judge Alan Wright adjourned sentencing until January 19.
Central Police Station to open for public inspection
The Central Police Station site is to be opened to the public to give people a greater understanding of the history and state of the compound. The tentative dates are the three consecutive weekends before the Lunar New Year, a government spokesman said.
Guided tours, displays on the site's history and a workshop on issues related to development would take place, but Victoria Prison will be excluded as it is still in operation.
