court allows internet pirate to leave city
The world's first BitTorrent user convicted of piracy, Chan Nai-ming, 38, appeared in the High Court yesterday to apply for a variation of his bail terms. The conditions require that Chan, who was released on $5,000 bail in November pending an appeal after he was sentenced in Tuen Mun Court to three months' jail for putting three Hollywood films on the internet, not leave the city. Deputy High Court Judge Maggie Poon Man-kay granted the application, allowing Chan to leave tomorrow and return on Sunday.
Tai Po Priest in court on child-sex charges
A 46-year-old Tai Po priest appeared in Fanling Court charged with having unlawful sex with a minor. Tsang Chiu-fook, who was released on $10,000 bail, faced one count of unlawful sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old between August last year and February. The prosecution said about 10 similar charges would be laid against him at the next hearing on May 18. The case would then be transferred to the District Court for plea.
Driver injured as two minibuses collide
A minibus toppled onto its side and damaged a 20-metre stretch of railings after colliding with another minibus at the junction of Sha Tsui Road and Tai Chung Road, Tsuen Wan, shortly after midnight. Its 44-year-old driver was unhurt but the other driver, 30, suffered head and leg injuries and was treated at Yan Chai Hospital. Police said both men passed breathalyser tests.
Health-care licence fees to increase from July