30th March 2023 – (Hong Kong) A man in Hong Kong has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for having an incestuous relationship with his younger half-sister. The relationship began when the girl was just 14 years old and the man was seven years older than her. The two not only engaged in sexual activity but also had intercourse on their parents’ bed. The girl’s father became aware of their relationship and forced the man to move out. Later, the girl confided in her teacher about their relationship, leading to the man’s arrest.
In court, the man, identified as LYJ, pleaded guilty to six charges, including incest and molestation. His lawyer argued that the two siblings were genuinely in love but had confused their feelings due to their close relationship. However, the presiding judge disagreed, stating that LYJ, being the older brother, should have protected and cared for his younger sister instead of exploiting her. The judge also noted that the incidents were not isolated, with three incidents of incest occurring when the girl was only 14 and 16 years old, and LYJ had not used protection.
The judge emphasised the severity of the crime and the fact that LYJ took advantage of his younger sister’s vulnerability. He also cited the aggravating factor that LYJ committed incestuous acts on multiple occasions, which made the crime even more serious. Despite LYJ’s young age at the time of the incidents and the fact that he had recently moved to Hong Kong and was still adjusting to life there, the judge ruled that he had brought the charges on himself.
Moreover, LYJ had previously fled during his bail period, but was later apprehended. His lawyer argued that LYJ had been overwhelmed by the stress of the case and had contemplated suicide. However, he was dissuaded from doing so by a passerby who helped him. The judge acknowledged the stress LYJ was under but did not consider it as a mitigating factor.