Going straight to jail: Shenzhen tour guide who assaulted tourist in Hong Kong drops appeal
Unable to leave city while on bail, Liu Yang, 32, chose to serve three-month sentence in order to return to family more quickly
A tour escort convicted of assaulting a mainland tourist moments before the latter collapsed and died gave up his appeal on Tuesday and was put behind bars immediately.
Shenzhen tour guide Liu Yang, 32, was sentenced to three months’ jail on February 5, and was granted bail pending appeal.
His lawyer Peter Lee told the court on Tuesday that Liu was willing to abandon his appeal and would rather serve the sentence. His submission was approved by Kowloon City Chief Magistrate Clement Lee Hing-nin.
READ MORE: Mainland Chinese tour guide jailed for assault on tourist, who later died
“I have received the notice. Liu is now officially in custody and will serve the three-month sentence,” the magistrate said.
The HK$70,000 bail money will be returned to Liu.
My client could not see his children and family in Shenzhen if the trial went on.
Commenting on the reasons for the decision, Liu’s legal representatives said outside the courtroom that the judicial procedures would have taken more than a year to proceed. Meanwhile, under the bail conditions, Liu would not be able to leave the city.
“My client could not see his children and family in Shenzhen if the trial went on,” Peter Lee said.