Retiree who left urine-spiked drinks in Hong Kong supermarkets spared prison
Court considers defendant’s psychological health and accepts Social Welfare Department’s recommendation to place him on probation for one year
A former property agent who left urine-contaminated soft drinks in several Hong Kong supermarkets has been spared jail after a court accepted that he deserved a second chance in light of his remorse and personal circumstances.
Kowloon City Court on Tuesday adopted a probation officer’s recommendation to place retiree Franklin Lo Kim-ngai on probation for a year, with conditions including regular psychiatric and psychological follow-up and participation in rehabilitation activities.
The 63-year-old defendant last month admitted to planting Coca-Cola Plus and 7-Up drinks spiked with his urine in seven Wellcome and ParknShop outlets across the city between July 2024 and August last year.
Lo had lost emotional support from his family after his parents’ deaths and separation from his ex-wife and son, who stopped contacting him after emigrating, according to the defence.
The defendant, who previously had a clear record, had hoped to play a “prank” and cause trouble for Wellcome employees after a quarrel with them, the court heard.
Before Lo’s arrest, Swire Coca-Cola had received reports about the discovery of urine-contaminated soft drinks at multiple Wellcome and ParknShop outlets.