Man gets 9-month jail for possessing screwdriver and brass knuckle

A 28-year-old logistic worker was sentenced to a 9-month imprisonment today at East Magistrates’ Court, after he was found possessing a screwdriver, a hiking knife and a brass knuckle. 

Chan Pak-yin was arrested for possessing the above items in a parade in Wan Chai on December 8, 2019. He was then convicted of possessing instrument fit for unlawful purpose with intent, possessing offensive weapon with intent and possessing prohibited weapon on April 22 this year. 

Magistrate Winnie Lau Yee-man said that Chan was planning to use those items in the parade and to vandalise properties. She added that the brass knuckle is a prohibited weapon, while it and the hiking knife are dangerous and could pose harm to the public. 

All three charges are equally serious, according to Lau. Therefore she sentenced Chan to a 10-month imprisonment for each charge and all sentences will run concurrently. Chan’s sentence was reduced to 9 months after he expressed contrition. 

Lau explained that possessing instrument fit for unlawful purpose and offensive weapon with intent could carry a HK$5,000 fine and 2-year jail, while possessing prohibited weapon could carry a HK$10,000 fine and 3-year imprisonment. That is why the charge involving the brass knuckle is more severe than the other two, according to Lau. 

In mitigation, defense said that it is the first time Chan breaches the law. He lives with his mother and brother who has autism. He already regretted that he could not financially support his family while he was detained. 

Defense hoped the court would allow all sentences to run concurrently, after 15 letters of mercy submitted to the court, alongside the one written by Chan himself, showing that he has truly reflected on his wrongdoing.