Hong Kong protests: magistrate hands down nine-month sentence after ruling hammers found in backpack intended for vandalism

While no direct evidence linked Wong Chun-tik to protests, the court ruled an intent to vandalise public property was the only inference that could be made

At trial, Wong said he was carrying the tools because a friend had promised to teach him how to repair his motorcycle that night

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Marketing assistant Wong Chun-tik (centre) is shielded by umbrellas as he exits Fanling Court on Thursday. Photo: Brian Wong

Published: 4:31pm, 8 Oct 2020Updated: 11:18pm, 8 Oct 2020

A 23-year-old man found with two hammers in a Hong Kong park early this year has been jailed for nine months, after a magistrate ruled the instruments were intended for vandalism amid the social unrest that engulfed the city, despite a lack of evidence he took part in protests.

Fanling Court on Thursday sentenced Wong Chun-tik to jail over one count of possessing instruments for unlawful purposes, punishable by two years’ behind bars or a HK$5,000 (US$645) fine.

Principal Magistrate Don So Man-lung ruled last month it was the “only irresistible inference” that the marketing assistant had planned to use the hammers to vandalise public property, rejecting his defence that he used the items to repair his motorcycle.

Wong Chun-tik was intercepted by police as they conducted a sweep near the Tai Po police station on January 19. Photo: Handout

At trial, the court heard Wong was intercepted by police at a park in Tai Po at 11pm on January 19, three hours after four petrol bombs landed outside Tai Po Police Station.

Although Wong was not under suspicion in the firebombing case, he was prosecuted for carrying the hammers, a hiking pole and a folding knife without reasonable excuse.

He testified he was carrying the items because a friend had promised to teach him how to repair his motorcycle later that night.