72-year-old Alzheimer’s patient spared $100,000 shoplifting fine

A 72-year-old habitual shoplifter suffering from Alzheimer’s disease had her sentence reduced after appealing a harsh punishment for stealing food from a City’super Supermarket.

The woman, Ngai King-ying, stole bread, asparagus, and crab paste worth HK$903.90 on the evening of August 23, 2024, in Causeway Bay. Security officers spotted her suspicious behavior via CCTV and intercepted her as she left without paying. Police later found multiple stolen items in her bag.

Ngai, who has 13 previous convictions, 12 of which involved theft, was initially sentenced to a HK$100,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment suspended for three years, and a three-year extension of her existing probation order.

Ngai appealed, arguing that the punishment was excessive. Judge Edmond Lee Chun-man agreed, noting that Ngai suffers from Alzheimer’s, anxiety, depression, and kleptomania, and requires long-term psychiatric and psychological support. He also cited her family’s commitment to provide close supervision to prevent reoffending.

After reviewing the case, Judge Lee allowed the appeal, canceling the fine and the probation extension, and reducing her sentence to one month in prison, suspended for 18 months. He emphasized that this case is exceptional and should not set a precedent for other shoplifting cases.

Ngai expressed remorse for her actions, apologized, and promised not to enter any supermarket again.