Try GOLD - Free
11 Years' Jail for Elderly Singaporean Who Robbed a Bank in HK
The Straits Times
|March 12, 2025
A 75-year-old Singaporean man was sentenced to 11 years in jail by the Hong Kong High Court on March 11 for separate charges of robbery and attempted robbery.
Leong How Seng had pleaded guilty a day earlier to the crimes committed.
In considering Leong's age when arriving at the punishment, the judge said in his written judgment that a light sentence would reduce the deterrent effect, but noted his cooperation with the authorities.
In April 2022, Leong, then 73, robbed a China Construction Bank (Asia) branch in Kowloon's Nathan Road with a pistol-looking device, and fled the scene with around HK$14,000 (S$2,400) in cash. He said he used around HK$7,500 to pay rent to his landlord, HK$1,000 for a new bag and HK$100 to top up his Octopus transport card.
This story is from the March 12, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
RAMEN REVIVAL
Slurp up regional flavours from Japan and local hawker renditions
10 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
MIDDLE EASTERN MELTING POT
New eateries are putting their own spin on the cuisine, while established players keep pace with updated menus
11 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
From a super-saver to embracing 'die with zero'
After a lifetime of saving for the future, I recently opened up to the idea that maybe one should use up one's wealth before one dies.
6 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
MASTEROFMYUNIVERSE TO RULE
RACE 1 (1,200M) 4 Run Run Timing made a strong first impression for the Ricky Yiu stable, finishing a close second on his Class 5 debut and showing he is ready to win again. He draws wider in barrier 9 this time, but that effort confirmed he was heading the right way.
6 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
KEEPING CALM THE 'BIGGEST LESSON'
Sabalenka aims to keep her emotions in check in bid for first WTA Finals crown
2 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
New work by late M'sian poet
Two young editors have worked to posthumously publish In The Mirror: New And Selected Poems Of Wong Phui Nam
3 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
WILL POGACAR BECOME CYCLING'S G.O.A.T?
In this series, The Straits Times takes a deep dive into the hottest sports topic or debate of the hour. From Lamine Yamal's status as the next big thing to pickleball's growth, we'll ask The Big Question to set you thinking, and talking.
5 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
Sentosa Cove property prices buck mainland uptrend as loss-making deals rise
In July, a condominium unit at Marina Collection in Sentosa Cove was resold for $4.95 million, over 40 per cent below the price paid in 2008.
4 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
More HDB flat owners switching to bank loans as rates drop to 3-year low
Owners spoilt for choice as banks compete to offer attractive refinancing options
4 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
Beauty products and fried chicken: Korean culture meets diplomacy at summit
World leaders and business titans gathered in South Korea this week to hash out issues from tariffs and AI to regional security.
2 mins
November 02, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size