A former taxi driver who crashed his vehicle into eight pedestrians in Causeway Bay two years ago was sentenced to eight months in jail and given a HK$4,000 fine (US$511) yesterday afternoon.
The court heard last week that 72-year-old Lau Wing-see should not have been behind the wheel because of his multiple medical conditions that included diabetes, lung problems, and cataracts.
He pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm, and two counts of using a vehicle not in good and serviceable condition.
Not helping his case was the fact that presiding judge Johnny Chan said the defendant had deliberately lied to the police that he was trying to avoid hitting someone crossing the road in an attempt to reduce the seriousness of his charges, according to Ming Pao.
Judge Chan also noted that Lau knew he had a bad cough and that it would affect his ability to drive, yet the defendant did not take any medicine to relieve his cough.
Lau’s driver’s licence will be suspended for three years, and he has to take part in a driving improvement course.
According to the newspaper, judge Chan used 15 months as a starting point for sentencing, but reduced this, taking into account Lau’s age and physical condition.
In November 2016, Lau was behind the wheel when his taxi swerved onto the pavement outside the SOGO department store on Hennessy Road.
Eight people were injured in the incident. Although most of the victims walked away unaided, two of the victims suffered bone fractures and knee injuries.
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