5 Hongkongers jailed for vigilante-style attack on man who bit off ex-politician’s ear

The assailant sustained serious injuries after a group of onlookers, including the five accused, exacted revenge on him.

“The consequences could have been dire had Joe Chen committed further assaults on other residents who walked by because of his attackers’ repeated provocations,” Ko said. “The defendants’ assaults in the present case posed a very serious risk to the people living in the neighbourhood.”

Four of the five accused: barista Cheung Yun-fung, 27, waiter Yung Chi-keung, 34, animal shelter volunteer Cheng Long-wing, 27, and freelance music producer Tsui Chun-kit, 22, each pleaded guilty to rioting and wounding with intent. Yung also admitted a count of possessing an offensive weapon.

A sixth defendant was cleared because the court accepted he had used proportionate force to stop Chen’s attack.

Chung, who attacked Chen in the head using a folded umbrella, was slapped with the heaviest term of five years and three months as he was not entitled to any discount reserved for those pleading guilty.

Tsui, a former representative of Hong Kong’s men kabaddi team, was jailed for 4½ years. He was seen trying to jump onto Chen after the latter fell onto the ground.

Cheung was jailed for three years and 11 months for punching Chen, whereas Yung and Cheng each received 3½ years for hitting him with a baton and hurling objects at him respectively.

Chen has paid a total of HK$3.93 million (US$503,000) in compensation to his four victims, selling his family home in the process to raise money.

The former merchant has also sued the six defendants in the present case for damages.