HONG KONG – A 75-year-old Singaporean man, Leong How Seng, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for two robbery-related crimes in Hong Kong. His charges include robbing a bank with a toy gun and attempting to rob a retail store with a bottle of water.
Robbery Attempt with a Bottle of Water
On July 1, 2020, Leong entered a Mannings pharmacy in Prince Edward, Hong Kong, carrying a bottle of water and a note threatening to burn the shop down. The note read: “If you want to live, hurry or you will be burned with petrol.” The store employee was unfazed by the threat and promptly ejected Leong from the premises before calling the police.
Authorities later closed the case due to a lack of identifiable evidence, as no fingerprints were found on the note left behind.
Bank Heist with a Toy Gun
Leong remained at large until April 14, 2022, when he successfully robbed the China Construction Bank (Asia) branch in Yau Ma Tei. He handed a note to the teller that read: “We have a gun. Put money into the bag quickly. If you don’t cooperate, we will shoot.”
He brandished an air gun, later revealed to be dysfunctional, and managed to escape with HK$14,000 (US$1,802). A silent alarm was triggered, alerting the bank’s manager. Police identified and arrested him at his residence in Yuen Kong village the same day.
Leong’s Financial Struggles and Confession
Leong revealed that he had been living in Hong Kong since 2007, overstaying his visa and exhausting his savings. He depended on financial support from his girlfriend, but their situation worsened after the 2019 anti-government protests and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following his arrest, Leong admitted to spending the stolen money on personal expenses, including repaying HK$7,500 in rental debt and purchasing a bag.
Court Sentencing and Legal Implications
On March 11, 2024, Hong Kong’s High Court sentenced Leong to 11 years in prison for robbery and attempted robbery. Justice Douglas Yau Tak-hong stated that despite Leong’s age and health condition, the use of imitation firearms and threats warranted a strict sentence as a deterrent.
The judge initially set the sentences at 5.5 years for the attempted robbery in 2020 and 12 years for the 2022 bank heist but reduced them due to Leong’s guilty plea and cooperation with authorities.
Similar Cases and Safety Concerns
Hong Kong has witnessed various robbery cases involving imitation weapons, raising concerns about public safety. Under Hong Kong law, robbery carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
