The Desperate Tale of Leong How-seng: A Life of Struggles and Consequences

Introduction: A Life Unraveling in Hong Kong

Leong How-seng, a 75-year-old Singaporean man, has found himself at the center of a dramatic and tragic story that unfolded in Hong Kong. His life, marked by a series of poor decisions and desperate acts, led him down a path of crime, ultimately resulting in an 11-year prison sentence. The elderly man pleaded guilty to charges of robbery and attempted robbery, which took place over two separate incidents in 2020 and 2022. These crimes were not the actions of a seasoned criminal but rather the desperate attempts of a man who had lost his way in life, grappling with financial ruin, personal isolation, and a misguided sense of hopelessness.

Leong’s story begins in 2007 when he first arrived in Hong Kong. At the time, he was a man with savings and a sense of possibility. However, over the years, his fortunes dwindled. He found himself unemployed, estranged from his wife, and reliant on a girlfriend he met in the city. The once-promising life gradually unraveled, leaving him in a state of financial and emotional desperation. By the time of his crimes, he had overstayed his visa for over a decade, living in the shadows of Hong Kong society.

From Desperation to Crime: The Motivations Behind the Acts

The court hearings revealed the depths of Leong’s desperation. He had exhausted his savings, estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and was no longer able to support himself. What little stability he had was provided by his girlfriend, but even that became tenuous after the 2019 anti-government protests and the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought economic hardship to many in Hong Kong. With no viable income and mounting debts, Leong turned to crime as a last resort.

His first attempt at robbery occurred on July 1, 2020, at a branch of the pharmacy chain Mannings in Prince Edward. Armed with nothing more than a bottle of water and a threatening note, Leong approached a salesman and demanded money. The note ominously warned, “If you want to live, hurry or you will be burned with petrol.” Despite the menacing message, the salesman remained unfazed and promptly ejected Leong from the premises before contacting the police. Investigators later closed the case, unable to identify the culprit after finding no fingerprints on the note.

A Second, More Brazen Attempt

Nearly two years after the failed pharmacy robbery, Leong’s financial situation had only worsened. On April 14, 2022, he attempted another robbery, this time at a branch of the China Construction Bank (Asia) in Yau Ma Tei. This time, he armed himself with a toy gun, which, though dysfunctional, was enough to strike fear into the bank staff. Leong brandished the gun at a teller, who, following protocol, withdrew HK$14,000 (US$1,802) from a secure device. The transaction triggered a silent alarm, alerting the bank’s manager to the robbery.

A bank employee witnessed the incident and gave chase, but Leong managed to escape. However, his freedom was short-lived. Police quickly identified him and apprehended him the same day at his residence in Yuen Kong village, Pat Heung. During the investigation, Leong admitted to both robberies. He revealed that he had spent some of the stolen money on mundane necessities, such as a new bag, topping up his Octopus card for public transport, and paying off a HK$7,500 (US$962) debt to his landlord. Ironically, Leong only learned the total amount he had stolen—HK$14,000—after seeing it reported in the news.

The Investigation and Its Aftermath

The police were able to link Leong to both crimes through meticulous investigation. The failed robbery at Mannings in 2020 initially went unsolved, but when Leong struck again in 2022, authorities were able to piece together the evidence. The toy gun and Leong’s distinct appearance likely played a role in identifying him. Once arrested, Leong was surprisingly cooperative, providing police with a full account of his actions. His honesty, while commendable, did little to mitigate the seriousness of his crimes.

During questioning, Leong explained that both robberies were driven by his inability to pay rent. In 2020, he had defaulted on his payments, leading to the first desperate attempt. By 2022, his financial situation had only worsened, pushing him to commit the second crime. Leong’s girlfriend, who had been his primary source of support, was not directly implicated in the crimes, though the couple’s shared financial struggles were cited as a contributing factor.

Justice Served: A Sentence Balanced Between Mercy and Deterrence

On March 11, 2023, Justice Douglas Yau Tak-hong of the High Court delivered the verdict. Leong was sentenced to 11 years in prison for his crimes, taking into account the seriousness of the offenses and the need for a deterrent sentence. The judge acknowledged Leong’s guilty plea and his cooperation with authorities, which led to a reduction in his sentence.

The judge set a starting point of 5.5 years for the 2020 attempted robbery and 12 years for the 2022 robbery, which were then made partially concurrent. While the sentence was significant, it also reflected Leong’s advanced age and poor health. Justice Yau emphasized that the use of imitation firearms and the threat of force in both robberies required a strong response, as such crimes undermine public safety and trust in the financial system.

Reflection: A Cautionary Tale of Desperation and Responsibility

Leong How-seng’s story serves as a tragic reminder of the consequences of desperation and the importance of seeking help before resorting to crime. His case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by individuals who find themselves on the fringes of society, struggling with financial instability and personal isolation. While Leong’s actions were unacceptable and warranted punishment, his story also raises questions about the support systems in place for those facing similar challenges.

Robbery carries severe penalties in Hong Kong, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Leong’s 11-year sentence reflects both the gravity of his actions and the courts’ consideration of his circumstances. As he serves his sentence, his case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of desperation and the importance of addressing systemic issues that drive individuals to crime.

In conclusion, Leong How-seng’s journey from a hopeful immigrant to a convicted criminal is a story of missed opportunities, bad decisions, and the harsh realities of life on the margins. His tale underscores the need for compassion, understanding, and robust social support systems to prevent others from following in his footsteps.