The husband of Hong Kong’s justice chief has been prosecuted for illegal structures at his home in Tuen Mun.
The announcement comes after it emerged earlier this year that Teresa Cheng, who had just been appointed as Justice Secretary by Chief Executive Carrie Lam, had a number of illegal or unauthorised structures in her home and that of her husband Otto Poon Lok-to who lives next door.
A statement published by the Director of Public Prosecutions David Leung today said that they instructed senior counsel Edwin Choy to provide an independent opinion last month in order to avoid a possible perception of bias.
On the decision not to prosecute Cheng, Leung said that Choy had advised there was no evidence to suggest that the unauthorised works were constructed after she had purchased or home, or that she had knowingly commenced or carried out unauthorised building works after taking ownership of the home.
Leung said Choy therefore concluded there was “insufficient evidence” charge Cheng under the Buildings Ordinance.
Media reports of the couple’s illegal home extensions were revealed at the start of this year — shortly after Carrie Lam announced Cheng’s appointment.
The news was particularly embarrassing for Cheng, who has degrees in engineering and law, and even co-authored a book on construction law.
