High Court discharges jury in Abby Choi murder trial over sick juror, causing delay

🔮 The case will be heard again on November 25.

🔮 High Court discharges jury in Abby Choi murder trial over sick juror, causing delay Judge Brian Keith says court cannot simply replace outgoing juror, according to legal precedent, and new jury will be empanelled on Wednesday The High Court has discharged a recently empanelled jury from the murder trial of slain Hong Kong socialite Abby Choi Tin-fung’s former relatives after one member asked to be excused for health reasons, leading to a delay in proceedings.

🔮 Actress accused of breaching contract by dyeing her hair without consent and accepting outside engagements Former Hong Kong television actress Leila Tong Ning has been sued for allegedly breaching her management contract by abandoning her professional duties while suffering from depression and dyeing her hair without her agency’s consent. The High Court writ, filed by agency Tenjinmura Ongaku Limited, also accuses the 44-year-old former Television Broadcasts (TVB) artist of “coercive conduct” and accepting commercial engagements without the company’s approval after their relationship broke down in May 2024.

🔮 But the High Court heard that the actual number of offences could be much higher.

🔮 Choi’s ex-husband, Alex Kwong, 31, his father Kwong Kau, 68, and elder brother Anthony Kwong, 35, face a joint count of murder The High Court will hold the first trial hearing on Monday for parties to sort out preliminary issues.

🔮 Hong Kong district councillor remanded in custody after underage sex conviction Sei Chun-hing, 39, set to become first elected officer to face imprisonment for a criminal offence since ‘patriots-only’ electoral overhaul in 2021 A Hong Kong court has remanded a district councillor in custody pending sentence after convicting him of unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl 15 years ago, rejecting his claim that the allegation was politically motivated.

🔮 The verdict came at the direction of the presiding judge, who concluded that the charges could not be legally established.

🔮 The Environmental Protection Department said it would review the judgment to decide whether to appeal further, adding that an announcement would be made “at the appropriate time”.