Charges dropped against man accused in attempted Li Ka-shing burglary, who says voice told him he was Li's grandson
Mainlander walks free because of insufficient evidence over incident at tycoon's mansion
An unemployed mainlander accused of trying to burgle the home of Asia's richest man, Li Ka-shing, walked free from court yesterday after prosecutors dropped the charges.
Prosecutors said they had insufficient evidence on which to try Meng Hongwei, 19, whom police intercepted while he was trying to climb over a fence surrounding Li's home in Deep Water Bay last month, Eastern Court heard.
Charges of attempted burglary and arriving in Hong Kong unlawfully and remaining without the authority of the immigration director were withdrawn. He had yet to enter a plea.
The prosecutors told the court that Meng did have a valid two-way permit that allowed its holder to enter and exit the city, but did not explain why they were unable to pursue the attempted burglary case against him.
Earlier, the court heard that, on April 3, Meng tried to break into a building situated on an 11,800 sq ft site on Deep Water Bay Road, known to be the tycoon's residence.
It was understood that Meng had heard a voice in his head telling him that he was Li's grandson, so he went to the house. Once there, he told security guards he wanted to meet Li.