Former top prosecutor in Hong Kong court over injuring man while drink-driving
Franco Kuan, 45, faces criminal charges over allegations that he seriously injured Tou King-pan in case of reckless driving
A Hong Kong prosecutor turned barrister is facing criminal charges over allegations that he seriously injured a man while driving under the influence of alcohol earlier this year.
Franco Kuan Bak-on, 45, appeared in Sha Tin Court on Friday to face charges of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm and driving a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration in his breath exceeding the legal limit.
Police arrested Kuan at around 1.50am on January 11 after he allegedly drove recklessly along Hung Mui Kuk Road in Tai Wai, causing serious injuries to Tou King-pan.
A subsequent breathalyser test put the defendant’s breath-alcohol concentration at 47 micrograms per 100 millilitres – more than double the statutory limit of 22 micrograms.
Prosecutors applied for a seven-week adjournment to prepare the necessary paperwork to move the case to the District Court, where Kuan may face up to seven years’ imprisonment if convicted.
The defendant was released on a HK$5,000 (US$638) bond, but was required to reside at his stated address, notify police of any change of residence and avoid contacting prosecution witnesses.