Robbers used curry powder to steal HK$800,000 from couple
Two 18-year-olds jailed for five years after they joined a gang to rob a couple of HK$800,000
Two teenagers who pleaded guilty to taking part in robbing a couple by throwing curry powder and attacking them with glass bottles were jailed for five years in the Court of First Instance yesterday.
Yau To-on and Chau Kwai-kwan, both 18, were convicted on one count of robbery for their part in the attack in which they and a group of Pakistanis stole HK$800,000 on July 27 last year.
Chau claimed he had been asked to participate by a man who had introduced work to him. He said he had agreed to do it as a way to return that favour.
Chau also asked his flatmate Yau to join after the man asked if Chau knew other people who might take part.
Judge Anthea Pang Po-kam said: "It was a planned crime and violence was used. Even though the defendants are still young in age, I do not think a training centre is an option for them."
The court heard that the victims operated a money exchange shop and mobile phone repairs shop in Kwai Chung.