Retired teacher gets six months in jail for not submitting election return

A retired teacher was sentenced to six-month imprisonment at Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today for failing to submit the election return, a declaration of election expenses and donations.

Ng Chi-hung, 55, stood for the District Council election in 2019. He was one of the candidates running for the Kam To constituency of Sha Tin District Council. Yet he failed to submit an election return after the election, in which he lost.

He pleaded guilty to failing to lodge an election return under the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance.

Magistrate Joseph To Ho-shing said the case involves public interest and election candidates must apply for permission from the High Court for late submission of the election return.

However, it is still unknown whether corruption is involved in the case as Ng is yet to submit the election return, To pointed out.

In mitigation, defense pointed out that Ng has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder for 20 years. He has been upset since he's lost the election, causing him to forget about submitting the election return. A psychology expert also added that Ng has been mentally stable.

To therefore sentenced Ng to six-month imprisonment.