Kevin Zervos, city's top lawyer, weighs his next move

Director of Public Prosecutions Kevin Zervos SC already foresees himself spending his Christmas holiday in the office trying to get caught up on his cases, while the rest of the department will probably be enjoying the special occasion with their families.

"I use it [Christmas] as an opportunity to keep up with work," the head of the prosecutions division told the South China Morning Post. This won't surprise people who know Zervos well enough to appreciate his zeal for hard work and his high energy levels.

Rather than having any long vacations since becoming the division chief, Zervos takes only short breaks of three or four days each time to fly back to Australia to catch up with his friends and family members.

"I find it hard to be away for too long. It is a demanding job and you have to treat it seriously. You are constantly thinking about it. It is 24 hours and seven days a week. It is a great public responsibility that is with me every minute of the day. I mean it sincerely."

At least once a month, though, the prosecution chief rewards himself with a meal at one of his favourite eateries - not the Michelin-starred Yung Kee Restaurant, but inexpensive though well-known noodle shops in Shau Kei Wan and Wan Chai. Zervos said his favourite dish is noodles with fish balls, one of the city's most common dishes.

While other directors of public prosecutions have seldom strayed from behind their desks, Zervos has plunged time and again into the courtroom fray.