判刑理由書撮要(由AI生成)
以下撮要以AI生成及／或翻譯，內容以原來的判刑理由書為準。
Judgment noted that between midday and the afternoon of 12 November 2019, over a thousand protesters rioted on several thoroughfares in Central, setting fire to roadblocks, damaging traffic facilities and confronting the police. The defendants were arrested at an emergency exit, during which they wore masks and other face coverings and carried tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, lighters and spray paint. After trial, the defendants were convicted of riot, the offence of using a face covering during an unlawful assembly, and possession of an article with intent to destroy or damage property.
Sentencing took into account the scale and duration of the riot, the extent of damage, the defendants’ roles and prior convictions, with reference to the starting points in similar cases. The offences of using a face covering during an unlawful assembly and possession of items also carry prescribed penalties.
Although the riot involved serious destruction, no one was injured; the defendants had no prior convictions and were not principal instigators, they pleaded guilty and saved court time, warranting a moderate reduction in sentence.
The riot constitutes a serious offence; although the defendants were not the ringleaders, they contributed to the violence and must be sternly punished.
The defendants were each sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for riot and six weeks’ imprisonment for using a face covering during an unlawful assembly, to be served concurrently; they were also sentenced to three months’ imprisonment for possession of an article with intent to destroy or damage property, of which one month is to be served consecutively to the other terms. The fourth defendant was additionally fined HK$1,500 for unlicensed possession of radio communication equipment. (Translated from Chinese to English by AI)
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