75-yr-old Singaporean man admits to robbery in Hong Kong, citing financial distress

A 75-year-old Singaporean man has pleaded guilty to one count of attempted robbery and one count of robbery in the Hong Kong High Court. The man, Leong, was arrested in 2022 after robbing a bank using a faulty air gun. He cited financial hardship and health problems in his plea for leniency. According to reports by local media, Leong first attempted a robbery on 1 July 2020 at a Mannings store in the Golden Plaza, Prince Edward. At around 8 pm, he approached the cashier and presented a note that read, “Robbery! If you want to live, hand over the money immediately, or I will burn you with petrol.” He then showed a lighter and a bottle of clear liquid, intending to intimidate the staff. However, the cashier refused to comply and instead shouted at him to leave. Leong eventually fled the scene without taking any money. Nearly two years later, on 14 April 2022, at around 3:30 pm, Leong carried out a robbery at a China Construction Bank (Asia) branch on Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei. He handed a note to the teller stating, “Robbery! We have a gun. Put the money in the bag quickly. If you do not cooperate, we will shoot.” At the same time, he pointed what appeared to be a firearm at the teller while handing over a bag. The bank’s teller, following security protocols, retrieved marked banknotes from a special compartment and simultaneously triggered an alarm to alert the bank manager. As the manager reported the incident to the authorities, the teller attempted to stall by counting the money. However, Leong grew agitated and threatened to kill her if she did not comply. She then handed over HK$14,000 in cash, after which Leong fled the scene. Police launched an investigation using CCTV footage and tracked Leong to his residence in Shek Kong, Yuen Kong Village, where he was arrested later that evening. Officers recovered the air gun, stolen cash, and clothing used during the robbery. During police questioning, Leong admitted to committing the crimes due to financial difficulties. He stated that he had used HK$7,500 of the stolen money to pay overdue rent. He also confessed to the failed 2020 robbery attempt, revealing that the liquid he claimed was petrol was actually water, as he was unable to afford real petrol. In his plea for leniency, the defence lawyer argued that Leong had pleaded guilty before trial, hoping for a reduced sentence. He emphasised that no physical harm was inflicted during either incident, that the air gun used in the bank robbery was malfunctioning, and that the crimes lasted only briefly. Leong moved from Singapore to Hong Kong in the early 2000s and has been living there without legal status after overstaying his visa. He did not hold a job or receive government assistance and had relied on his personal savings, which were eventually depleted. He lost contact with his wife in Singapore and lived with his girlfriend, a former English teacher whose income was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The defence also highlighted Leong’s deteriorating health, stating that he has mobility issues, a hernia that requires urgent surgery, and a heart condition. The judge has scheduled sentencing on Tuesday while Leong remains in custody.