Juror in former Hong Kong leader Donald Tsang’s bribery trial dismissed without explanation
Judge tells eight remaining jurors that ‘certain matters have taken place’ just a day before verdict may come in high-profile court case
A juror at the trial of Hong Kong’s former leader Donald Tsang Yam-kuen was dismissed on Wednesday, a day before the ex-top official may learn his fate.
High Court judge Mr Justice Andrew Chan Hing-wai told the remaining eight jurors that “certain matters have taken place”, when they returned to the courtroom to find Mr Q – how he was referred in court – missing from his seat. There were originally nine jurors.
“Until you are discharged for the jury service, you must not contact him,” he also told them.
Chan, who began to direct the jury on Tuesday before he was due to send them away on Thursday to begin deliberations, did not give any further explanation. He told jurors not to concern themselves with the removal.
Judge in Donald Tsang bribery trial tells jury to decide case on facts – not emotions
“Please focus on the task you have at hand, that is paying attention to my summing up,” he said, adding that they would have to return a verdict afterwards.
The unexpected turn of events leaves only four men and four women to decide whether the former leader should be found guilty of a bribery charge involving his alleged acceptance of free renovation work, totalling HK$3.8 million, for his short-term retirement penthouse on the mainland.