Bond for triad claim

A secondary school student who claimed in an internet forum to be related to a triad society, 'for fun only', has been put on a good-behaviour bond.

Student Li Chi-kin, now 17, admitted he was the author of a message - 'I'm of Shing Wo. Brother Mark protects me' - that originated from his home computer in April 2005.

The Organised Crime and Triad Bureau arrested the student in March this year under the Criminal Procedure Ordinance for claiming to be a member of a triad society.

The police later agreed to release the youth after no evidence was found that Li was connected to any triad society or activity and the student said he did it 'for fun only'.

The Kwun Tong Court heard that the police and Justice Department agreed the case could be handled with a bond because the message lacked elements of intimidation or blackmail.

Magistrate Eddie Yip Chor-man granted the bond after the student agreed not to commit any act in relation to any triad society, including not claiming to be a triad member.