Five charged with false imprisonment after woman found dead in Jordan flat

Three men and two women have been charged with false imprisonment following the alleged detention of a 40-year-old woman in a flat in Jordan since late last month. 

The woman, identified as Ip Hoi-sze, was certified dead last Wednesday.

The defendants -- Chan Chun-hei, 29, Cheung Ho-wai, 31, Yoko Wu Ka-ying, 31, Kan Yun-fai, 41, and Wong Shuk-yin, 38 -- appeared before acting principal magistrate Ko Wai-hung at Kowloon City Magistrates’ Court on Monday, each facing one count of false imprisonment.

During the hearing, the prosecution requested an adjournment of the case to March 24 to allow for further police investigation and an analytical toxicology report regarding the woman's cause of death. 

The prosecution objected to bail applications from Ng, Cheung, and Wong, which the magistrate ultimately denied, resulting in all five defendants being remanded in custody until their next court appearance.

The allegations indicate that the defendants falsely imprisoned Ip in a flat at the Man Wah Building in Jordan between December 28 and January 22, during which she reportedly suffered physical abuse. 

Her condition came to light last Wednesday when she was found unconscious in the flat.

The five defendants were arrested by the Yau Tsim district crime unit in various locations, including Ngau Tau Kok, Cheung Chau, and Yuen Long, on January 23.

Also, a 36-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman were arrested for assisting offenders but were released on police bail, with a requirement to report back to authorities in late February.

The police said that false imprisonment is a serious offense, carrying a maximum penalty of seven years in prison upon conviction.

(Eunice Lam)