A 30-year-old off-duty police officer has been granted bail after appearing at Eastern Magistrates’ Court over a fatal collision in Wan Chai, with his plea hearing adjourned to October 14. Reports said the charge before the court was dangerous driving, rather than the earlier charge of dangerous driving causing death.
The collision involved two private cars on Morrison Hill Road on Christmas night last year. One report identified the defendant as Yip Ka-ho.
A 71-year-old female passenger in one of the cars later felt unwell and sought medical attention herself. She was taken to Eastern Hospital, where she remained for about a week before subsequently dying, according to the report.
Police investigated and arrested the officer in connection with dangerous driving and the passenger’s death, reports said. The reports did not set out the driving conduct alleged in the case or give details of any court findings. One report said he was arrested over dangerous driving causing death before being charged with dangerous driving, while another described the change as an amendment; neither gave a reason for it.
The October 14 hearing is the next reported step in the case. Police said they attach great importance to officers’ conduct and will deal seriously with any officer who commits an offence.