21 Mar 1997
R. v. KWOK CHI KWAN
- Citation
- R. v. KWOK CHI KWAN
- Court
- Court of First Instance
- Case number
- HCMA145/1997
A hearing conducted without reading agreed facts or defendants' statements into open court and without oral evidence is a material procedural irregularity contrary to the principle of open justice; such 'silent trials' are impermissible and justify allowing the appeal and setting aside the conviction, with doubt also raised as to whether the appellant was properly charged.