Community service for ex-cop over paragliding lesson gone wrong

Staff reporter

A former policeman, who is also an unlicensed paragliding coach, was slapped 200 hours of community service for criminal negligence after one of his students severely fractured her ankle during a lesson in October 2023.

The case also marked the first paragliding case to be prosecuted and first conviction under the Civil Aviation Ordinance.

The 49-year-old defendant Yuen Wai-kit earlier pleaded guilty to negligence resulting in or endangering life using an aircraft at the District Court.

During sentencing yesterday, deputy district judge Timothy Casewell said that although the harm done to his student was not permanent, Yuen needs to bear intermediate responsibility.

In handing down his sentence, Casewell considered that Yuen does not have a criminal record and had shown extensive remorse. Yuen had also served the police force for 28 years without any disciplinary records.

The court earlier heard that Yuen claimed to be a paragliding coach, but his license was actually suspended.

During their first lesson, Yuen did not explain the take-off, landing and emergency procedures. A safety belt came loose within seconds after take-off, leaving one of his students with a severe ankle fracture.

The student underwent four surgeries and follow-up treatments, but the movement of her right ankle was already seriously compromised.

The student has already made a civil claim, and Yuen was demanded to resign from his position as a police officer upon prosecution, the defense said during mitigation.