A 46-year-old chef was sentenced to three months in jail for molesting a Korean travel vlogger in an MTR station. The magistrate stated that this crime would inevitably harm Hong Kong’s reputation. The defendant pleaded guilty to indecent assault and admitted to being under the influence of alcohol. The incident occurred while the victim was live-streaming for her Twitch travel blog. The chef followed her, harassed her, and made inappropriate advances. The court rejected a defense request for a non-custodial sentence, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense. The defendant’s job as a head chef was terminated, and he expressed remorse. The defense pleaded for a second chance, as the defendant was determined to quit alcohol and start anew. However, the magistrate emphasized the need for a deterrent sentence and sentenced the defendant to three months in jail. South China Morning Post reported
A 46-year-old chef was given a three-month prison sentence on Thursday for sexually assaulting a Korean travel vlogger inside a Hong Kong MTR station two months ago. The magistrate presiding over the case emphasized that this crime would inevitably tarnish Hong Kong’s reputation. The defendant, known as Amit, pleaded guilty to indecent assault by touching and pestering the 29-year-old tourist at Central MTR station on September 11. The court heard that Amit followed the woman, who was live-streaming for her Twitch travel blog, as she made her way back to her hotel. Despite her attempts to shake him off, he continued to harass her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and grabbing her hand.
As they descended the station steps, Amit cornered the vlogger against a wall and touched her abdomen just below her chest while soliciting sexual favors. He leaned in close to her face and whispered a few words before fleeing the scene. The prosecution presented evidence, including a summary of the incident, to support the charges against Amit.
In his defense, Amit’s lawyer, Joe Chan Wai-yin, revealed that his client had developed a drinking problem due to being separated from his family in India for an extended period. The difficulties in reuniting with his wife and children in Hong Kong, particularly due to his son’s poor health, caused Amit immense frustration. Chan explained that the accused turned to alcohol two years ago as a means of coping with work-related stress. Amit lost his job as the head chef of a renowned Hong Kong restaurant immediately after his arrest and expressed deep shame for his actions. However, he had been offered a new job at another restaurant, set to begin on November 20.
Chan pleaded for leniency, emphasizing Amit’s determination to quit drinking and start fresh. He highlighted the impact of Amit’s separation from his family and the remorse he felt for his behavior.
Despite the defense’s plea, Principal Magistrate Ivy Chui Yee-mei rejected the request for a non-custodial sentence, deeming the offense “despicable and offensive.” Magistrate Chui emphasized the prolonged harassment endured by the victim, stating that the level of indecency escalated during the incident. She also noted that the incident was captured on the vlogger’s live-stream, which would inevitably harm Hong Kong’s reputation.
Magistrate Chui stressed the need for a deterrent sentence to condemn Amit’s actions and acknowledge the trauma experienced by the victim. She highlighted that Amit’s level of intoxication did not excuse his behavior, as he was still able to flee when the vlogger called for help.
As a result, the court sentenced Amit to three months in prison, reducing the initial sentence of 4½ months due to his timely guilty plea. The verdict aimed to provide a stern message to the public and address the severity of the offense.
Sources:
– [Hong Kong chef accused of molesting Korean live streamer gets bail](https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3234501/hong-kong-court-grants-bail-chef-accused-molesting-korean-tourist-during-live-stream?module=hard_link&pgtype=article)
– [Hong Kong police arrest waiter over molesting Korean visitor during live stream](https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3234184/hong-kong-police-launch-probe-after-korean-visitor-molested-while-live-streaming-central-her-solo?module=hard_link&pgtype=article).