Former HK Premier League goalkeeper jailed for raping 17-year-old girl in car

Former Hong Kong Premier League goalkeeper Yip Ka-yu insisted he didn’t rape a 17-year-old girl in his car as he was slapped with a five years and three months jail term on Thursday following his earlier conviction by the High Court jury. 

The 26-year-old defendant played for Lee Man FC in the 2017/18 season and is now playing for Tsun Tat FC in the third division. He was charged with raping the 17-year-old girl “X” on March 16, 2021, and was convicted by a 5-1 vote in mid September. 

When sentencing Yip, deputy high court judge Amanda Woodcock referred to X’s trauma report and said X now suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. This case also significantly impacted her dignity, self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, as well as her studies. 

Although X is now preparing to study abroad, the psychiatrist suggests X to continue her therapy sessions. 

Woodcock also cited Yip’s background report, in which he insists he didn’t rape X and believes they were developing their relationship to this date. The defense submitted mitigation letters by Yip’s girlfriend, family and former employers, saying it is unlikely that Yip would commit the crime again. 

Woodcock started the jail term at five years and added another six months for Yip didn’t use protection. As there were no other mitigation factors, Woodcock only reduced the term by three months for Yip had a clean criminal record. 

The court heard that X was hanging out and singing with her friends by the seaside in Siu Sai Wan on March 11, and Yip approached X to praise her and the two exchanged contacts. 

On March 16, Yip drove X to buy take-outs at Tai On Building and then to Tai Tam, claiming that they could have their meals while enjoying some sweet views. 

After they finished their meals, Yip started kissing X and touching her breasts. X admitted she had feelings for Yip and she trusted Yip at the time. She then asked if Yip had a girlfriend and if he would treat every girl the same. 

“Why would you think of me in that way?” Yip asked back. X patted on Yip’s shoulder and apologized. 

Yip then forcefully took off X’s pants, lifted her legs and raped her. X resisted slightly and said: “No. I don’t want it.” X didn’t kick at Yip when resisting and performed oral sex on Yip twice for it to end as soon as possible. 

Yip later drove X back to Siu Sai Wan and X found her underwear was stained by blood. She then texted her friend saying: “I feel like I have been raped.” She also took the “morning-after pill” and reported to police.