A 64-year-old taxi driver has been jailed for eight weeks after admitting three offences arising from an incident in Happy Valley in which he accelerated away as plainclothes officers moved to arrest him.
Chan Wai-ki picked up an undercover police officer on Wong Nai Chung Road on April 29, 2026. He did not start the taximeter and charged more than the prescribed fare, although reports differ on the exact amount.
When the undercover operation was revealed, a plainclothes officer identified himself as police. Another plainclothes officer then moved to arrest Chan, who suddenly accelerated away. Bystanders reportedly had to move back, creating a potential risk to other road users.
Chan surrendered at a police station the following day. He later pleaded guilty at Eastern Magistrates’ Court to failing to start the taximeter, charging above the prescribed fare and careless driving.
Chief Magistrate Cheung Chi-wai said Chan’s driving during the escape could have injured people, a factor that led the court to impose an immediate custodial sentence. The court also took account of his guilty pleas and surrender.
The prosecution said Chan had 32 criminal convictions and seven traffic convictions. The defence said he had already spent 30 days on remand, while a taxi association said it would not issue him another licence.
Star Headline also reported that Chan was fined $3,000, but the supplied Ming Pao account mentioned only the eight-week prison term. Both reports place the conviction and sentence on August 25, 2026.