2 Aug 2002
The learned Magistrate's credibility findings were for her to make having seen and heard witnesses; no procedural or legal error was demonstrated on appeal, therefore her reliance on PW1 was justified and the convictions under s20(2) were properly sustained.
31 Aug 1999
Section 20(2) of the Societies Ordinance does not require proof of formal membership to convict for acting as a member; where expert and eyewitness evidence proves that a defendant responded to a triad summons and took part in conduct a triad commonly undertakes, an inference that he acted as a member is justified absent contrary evidence; naming a specific triad in the charge is unnecessary; on these bases the convictions and sentences were upheld and applications for leave to appeal were refused or dismissed.
4 Dec 1975
Section 20(2) of the Societies Ordinance covers claims or professions of membership whether made spontaneously or in answer to a question, including police inquiries; the magistrate erred in ruling there was no case and the appeal must be allowed and remitted for trial.