A Desperate Elderly Man: A Tale of Crime Born Out of Hardship

In a tragic turn of events, a 75-year-old Singaporean man, Leong How-seng, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for two daring crimes committed in Hong Kong. The first was an attempted robbery at a pharmacy using nothing but a bottle of water and a threatening note, and the second was a successful heist at a bank with a toy gun. Leong’s story is one of desperation, financial ruin, and personal struggles that ultimately led him down a path of crime. His case has sparked both shock and pity, as it highlights the harsh realities of poverty, isolation, and the undoing of a man who once led a normal life.

A Life Derailed: The Backstory of Leong How-seng

Leong How-seng, a married man, arrived in Hong Kong in 2007 with hopes of starting anew. However, his life took a turn for the worse when he overstayed his visa, leaving him in a legal limbo. Despite his efforts, he remained jobless and eventually lost contact with his wife, who presumably returned to Singapore. Over the years, Leong blew through hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings, leaving him penniless and dependent on his Hong Kong girlfriend for financial support. The couple’s situation worsened in 2019, as the anti-government protests and the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic crippled the economy, pushing them deeper into financial distress.

By 2020, Leong found himself in dire straits. Unable to pay his rent and with no other options, he resorted to crime to survive. His first attempt was a botched robbery at a Mannings pharmacy in Prince Edward. Armed with a bottle of water and a threatening note, Leong hoped to intimidate a salesman into handing over money. However, the salesman remained unfazed, ejected him from the store, and called the police. The case was eventually closed due to lack of evidence, and Leong remained at large.

Two Crimes, Two Outcomes: The Robberies That Sealed His Fate

Two years later, on April 14, 2022, Leong attempted another robbery, this time at the China Construction Bank (Asia) in Yau Ma Tei. Brandishing a non-functional air gun, he demanded HK$14,000 (US$1,802) from a bank teller. The teller complied, withdrawing the money from a secure device. However, the transaction triggered a silent alarm, alerting the bank’s manager. A bank employee gave chase but lost sight of Leong, who fled the scene.

Unbeknownst to Leong, the police were able to identify him through their investigation and arrested him the same day at his residence in Pat Heung’s Yuen Kong village. During the arrest, officers discovered that Leong was also responsible for the 2020 pharmacy incident. Subsequent inquiries revealed that Leong had used some of the stolen money to buy a bag, top up his Octopus card, and settle a HK$7,500 debt with his landlord.

Justice Served: The Sentencing and Its Implications

On March 11, 2023, Leong pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of attempted robbery. High Court Justice Douglas Yau Tak-hong handed down a sentence of 11 years, taking into account Leong’s guilty plea and cooperation with police. However, the judge also emphasized the need for a deterrent sentence, citing the use of imitation firearms and threats of violence in both crimes.

The starting point for sentencing was 5.5 years for the 2020 attempted robbery and 12 years for the 2022 bank heist, with the sentences partially concurrent. While Leong’s advanced age and poor health were considered, they were ultimately outweighed by the seriousness of his offenses. In Hong Kong, robbery carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, making Leong’s punishment relatively severe but still within legal bounds.

A Reflection on Desperation and Redemption

Leong How-seng’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the consequences of desperation. A man who once enjoyed a stable life in Singapore found himself resorting to crime as a last-ditch effort to survive. His actions, though unlawful, were driven by the dire need to avoid homelessness and financial ruin. While his crimes cannot be justified, they highlight the broader issues of poverty, lack of social support, and the struggles faced by marginalized communities in Hong Kong.

As Leong serves his sentence, one cannot help but wonder what could have been done differently. Could there have been more support for overstayers like him? Could there have been a safety net to prevent him from falling into such desperation? These questions linger as Leong’s case serves as a cautionary tale of how quickly life can unravel when circumstances turn against us.

Sadly, Leong’s story is not unique. Many individuals around the world face similar struggles, and some, like Leong, are pushed to the edge, committing crimes out of sheer desperation. His case underscores the need for compassion, understanding, and systemic solutions to address the root causes of crime. While justice must be served, it is equally important to reflect on how society can help individuals like Leong before they reach such a breaking point.

In the end, Leong’s tale is one of regret, loss, and the long-term consequences of choices made in moments of despair. As he spends his golden years behind bars, one can only hope that his story will serve as a lesson—a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of addressing the social and economic challenges that lead individuals down such destructive paths.