Man cleared of slash killing

A MAN accused of murdering an underworld contact he allegedly suspected of a $5,400 drug swindle was cleared of the crime by a High Court jury yesterday.

Keung Wai-tak, 27, was slashed 16 times in a brutal attack outside a restaurant in Tsuen Wan on October 7, 1990.

Prosecutor Chris Coghlan claimed Ma Hing-wan, 29, appearing before Mr Justice Stuart-Moore, wanted Keung killed because he suspected Keung had cheated his partner in a heroin deal.

The Crown claimed Keung was chopped to death by an associate of Mr Ma's as Keung went to meet Mr Ma.

Mr Ma admitted he was present at the scene, but denied carrying out the attack or knowing the men who killed Keung.