Court denies bail for alleged bomb-makers

The court yesterday denied bail for four members of a six-member gang when they appeared in court for the first time after being arrested in an overnight operation where a large amount of explosives was seized over the weekend.

No pleas were taken from the two men and two women when they were bought before Sha Tin Magistrate Daniel Tang Siu-hung on one count each of conspiracy to cause explosions with intent to endanger life or property.

Three of them - security guard Ng Tsz-lok, 27, decoration worker Lee Ka-pan, 25, and Immigration Department center staff Cheung Cheuk-ki, 24 - were also charged with possessing objects with intent to destroy or damage property. They and clerk Yeung Yi-sze, 28 were remanded in jail until June 26.

Two other gang members, unemployed Ho Cheuk-wai, 36, and programmer Cheung Ka-chun, 29, did not appear because they were still in hospital. They will appear on Saturday to face a charge of conspiracy to cause explosions with intent to endanger life or property.

The six were among 17 people arrested in connection with three bomb incidents in Shenzhen Bay Port, Lo Wu MTR station and a hospital in Cheung Sha Wan over the past two months.

The court heard they were planning another bomb attack during a commemoration event for a deceased anti-government protester in Tseung Kwan O on March 8.

justin.tong@singtaonewscorp.com