A 19-year-old casual worker has been jailed for eight years after pleading guilty to administering corrosive liquid with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The High Court sentenced him on 29 October 2026.
The attack took place in Wan Chai in June 2025, as a 36-year-old woman visiting from Singapore boarded a private car after meeting her sisters. The defendant was 17 at the time.
The woman suffered second-degree burns to her face and limbs, covering more than 10% of her body. She spent 61 days in hospital and underwent multiple operations. Citing her medical report, the judge said she had developed post-traumatic stress disorder.
The judge said the attack had been carefully planned and involved highly concentrated acid, which reflected an intention to cause serious injury. The victim’s injuries had lasting effects, the judge said, and the guilty plea was the only mitigating factor.
A background report cited by the judge said the work had been arranged through the defendant’s associates and that he received HK$10,000 for the attack.