(MENAFN- Asia Times)
A 23-year-old Hong Kong man was jailed for 33 months by the District Court in Wan Chai for 10 criminal offenses including car theft on Friday.
Muhammad Waqas had earlier been convicted of 10 criminal counts, namely car theft, intent to deceive with false registration marks, careless driving, driving without a license, driving without suitable third-party insurance, leaving the scene of an accident, failing to report an accident to police, making a false report of commission of an offense, escaping from legal custody, and possession of drugs, Oriental Daily reported.
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On December 16 last year, Waqas stole a gray Mazda in Tuen Mun. The car owner reported the case to the police and posted a photo of his car on Facebook.
The next day, netizens reported that Waqas had been seen driving the stolen car in Tsuen Wan. After learning that he was being followed, Waqas hit a netizen's car and another vehicle with the stolen Mazda. He then abandoned the stolen car and fled, but he left his mobile phone and identification documents behind.
That evening, Waqas reported to the police that he had been robbed. However, police officers determined that he was lying and arrested him.
On January 4, Waqas escaped from custody in Tuen Mun Police Station but was later found in a park with drugs in his possession, Ming Pao Daily reported.
Waqas pleaded for leniency, telling the court that he had stolen the vehicle for fun and that he had been nervous on the road, which was what caused the accidents. He had followed the suggestions of friends to make a false statement to the police, he claimed.
Deputy District Court Judge Merinda Chow said the case was serious as the defendant had endangered other people, adding that his bad driving attitude, his intent to cover up his crimes, and the escape from custody were obviously pre-planned.
Waqas was sentenced to 33 months in jail and suspended from driving for two years.
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