The High Court on Wednesday granted sentencing appeals of 10 individuals who were jailed for rioting near the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) in 2019, reducing their jail terms by 2 to 6 months.

The 11 defendants are Alex Ming Tsz-hin, Cheng Cheuk-lam, Leung Kung-ho, Mok Tsz-mei, Feliz Sze Long, Lam Yuk-kwan, Cheung Chin-ming, Chan Ka-fung, Tse Yuen-siu, Chu Kin-kwan and Ma Kin-long. 

They were found guilty of rioting on Cheong Wan Road outside PolyU on November 18, 2019 and sentenced to prison terms ranging from 46 to 72 months.

Their appeal centered on the argument that a three-year sentencing starting point from a legally similar case should apply, claiming that the original sentences created an unjust disparity.

Delivering its verdict on Wednesday (Nov 5), the court disagreed with their claim, stressing the defendants had acted with "greater preparation and organization" than those in the similar case.

However, the court noted that the 6-year sentencing benchmark set by the trial judge was too high, as the defendants’ involvement was smaller under an alternative charge.

Considering factors such as the defendants' age and character, the court reduced the sentences for 10 of the appellants, bringing their new prison terms to between 42 and 70 months.

Meanwhile, two defendants who sought to appeal their convictions and sentences, citing bias from the trial judge, had their requests dismissed, as the court found that the judge had adequately considered the relevant factors in their cases.