A level II correctional assistant was convicted of burglary and taking unauthorised property out of a prison over four televisions intended for inmates. Two level I assistants were acquitted. The verdict was delivered at West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts, sitting as the District Court.
The case concerned four televisions taken from a storeroom at Tung Tau Correctional Institution on March 15, 2024, and moved to staff quarters with inmates’ help.
The judge found that the convicted assistant knew authorisation was required and that neither a supplies officer nor a supervisor had approved the removal, rejecting his claim that he believed he had permission. The judge cited the televisions’ being wrapped in garbage bags as evidence against him.
The judge found that the driver had not taken part in moving the televisions inside the building or wrapping them, though he helped unload the bagged items from the truck. There was no direct evidence he knew the bags contained televisions. The judge also found no evidence that the other level I assistant directed inmates to move the televisions.
The convicted assistant was remanded while the court obtains a background report. Sentencing and mitigation were adjourned to January 22, 2027.