A 24-year-old part-time tutor and a 24-year-old former mechanic of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department took possession of screwdrivers, spanner, hammer, pliers, torch and other tools. The two persons were each charged with the crime of 'possesses a tool suitable for illegal use and intends to use it for an illegal purpose'. They both denied the charges and were convicted at the end of last month after being tried in the Eastern Magistrates' Court. On the 10 May, Magistrate Winnie Lau stated that in order to protect public safety and order, the court must impose a deterrent penalty. Since the tools possessed by the two persons have similar destructive powers, 10 months were used as the starting point for the sentencing. Taking into account the late remorse of the two persons, one month was deducted as appropriate, and the two persons were sentenced to 9 months imprisonment immediately.
