8 Feb 2021
The court refused to order a joint trial in absentia because substantial prejudice to the present defendant (D2) from admission of the absent defendant's (D1) video‑recorded statements would likely prevent a fair trial; however, the court concluded it was proper to try D1 alone in absentia and exercised its discretion to permit a separate absentia trial of D1.
11 Nov 2020
Extension of time and leave to appeal were granted because, although the sentencing starting point and enhancement were proper and assistance was largely of no utility, it was reasonably arguable on the papers that defence counsel failed to advance mitigation in accordance with instructions (possible deprivation of a fair trial at sentencing), a fact properly left for the Court of Appeal to determine.
27 Mar 1981
Hong Kong courts possess the common‑law discretion to continue a trial in the absence of a defendant who has voluntarily and deliberately absconded while on bail; on the facts the 1st defendant here deliberately absconded after all prosecution evidence was adduced and after electing not to give evidence, and in the interests of justice the trial should continue; if the defendant later shows his absence was involuntary he may seek relief on that basis (including appeal).