A judge sentenced four men involved in beating up a Hong Kong lawmaker at a downtown McDonald's restaurant each to four years and eight months in prison, but said yesterday that he believed the mastermind behind the attack was still at large.
The defendants, who had earlier pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to wound, followed Legislator Albert Ho (
The bold attack shocked Hong Kong, where violent crime is rare. Ho said the assault was likely linked to his legal work that jeopardized gang interests.
In handing down the sentences, District Court Judge Kevin Browne said that he didn't believe the defense's case that one of the defendants, Leung Kwan-ping (梁均平), organized the attack because Ho didn't help him obtain welfare assistance, calling such an argument "incredible."
Browne said that the real masterminds had "more sinister" motivations.
"The attack was carried out in a way to attract maximum publicity, which it did," he said.
Browne noted Leung paid his accomplices HK$25,000 (US$3,200) even though he said he was financially troubled.
Police said they are still investigating the attack.
BROKEN NOSE
Ho suffered a damaged cornea and broken nose but has since recovered.
The legislator said yesterday that he was happy with the prison sentences his attackers received but agreed with Browne's conclusion that the mastermind of the attack remains at large.
"I know the police are still investigating some suspects who are on bail. I expect the police to continue to investigate," he said.
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