Police constable Wong Wai-hung was sentenced to 44 months in prison for having unprotected sex with his son’s 13-year-old friend, while his wife was pregnant with their third child.
The 39-year-old pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful sex with a girl under 16, and one count of indecent assault last month. During Wong’s conviction, the court heard how he had taken the 13-year-old girl’s virginity on his own birthday in March 2015, in addition to previously molesting her on two occasions.
A tissue with the victim’s blood on it was also found in a sealed bag in the constable’s locker at Tin Shui Wai Police Station.
During the sentencing, the defendant’s counsel pointed to the blood-stained tissue as proof that Wong cherished the girl and their sexual encounters, Oriental Daily reports. Justice Maggie Poon reportedly rejected that argument, saying that if Wong really treasured his victim, he would not have taken her virginity, and especially not without using contraception.
In mitigation, Wong’s lawyers argued that his court-ordered psychological report indicated no signs of mental illness, that he was not likely to repeat his crimes, and was a good father. However, Poon countered that the defendant’s supposedly clearly understanding of the situation indicates he consciously ignored the moral and legal repercussions of his actions.
The girl, who was not named, has withdrawn from her family and friends, lost her trust in others and now has extremely low self-esteem, the High Court heard. Wong was slammed by Poon for violating the girl’s trust and committing reckless crimes despite being a law enforcement officer.
He was further criticised for the effect his actions have had on his then-pregnant wife, who the court heard is now being treated in a mental hospital for postpartum depression.
Citing psychiatric tests and background checks, Poon acknowledged Wong’s professional achievements over nearly 20 years on the police force, but said he had “single-handedly destroyed two families”, as well as sullying the reputation of the Hong Kong Police Force.
Taking these factors into account and the lack of acceptable mitigating factors presented by the defendant, Poon sentenced Wong to 44 months (or 3 years and 8 months) in prison.
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