A University of Hong Kong student said to have been diagnosed as a compulsive thief stole goods worth almost HK$1,000 from five stores in less than 45 minutes because of exam stress, a court heard yesterday.
The haul taken by Tsoi Tsz-sheung, 21, included grilled squid, chocolate, food and hygiene products, Fanling Court was told after he pleaded guilty to seven theft counts.
A lawyer for Tsoi said the second-year student of politics and history had been diagnosed as a pathological thief and had committed the thefts because year-end exams were putting him under immense pressure. A doctor had told him treatment could cure him, the lawyer said.
The court heard that Tsoi stole seven times from five stores in May and June before going on his 45-minute spree on June 17.
Tsoi stole two packages of Durex condoms worth HK$215.80 from Mannings in Metropolis Plaza, Sheung Shui, on May 31, and a Braun electric toothbrush worth HK$99 from Mannings in the same mall just three days later.
Then on June 17, he made off with goods from Circle K, Mannings, Okashi Land, in Sheung Shui Centre, and Fortress and Mannings in Metropolis Plaza, all in Sheung Shui, in quick succession.