A man has appeared in court following an incident where he allegedly splashed red paint throughout the lobby of the Cheung Kong Center, the headquarters of billionaire business magnate Li Ka-shing. The accused, Chen Chao-nan, 49, is also facing charges of assaulting a security guard.
Chen, who holds a two-way permit, informed the court on Wednesday that he is currently unemployed. He was taken into custody after the incident occurred on Tuesday. The 57-year-old security guard, surnamed Law, attempted to intervene during the event, which resulted in apparent neck injuries. He was transported to Queen Mary Hospital in a conscious state for treatment, according to police reports from Thursday.
The case was brought before the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday. Chen faces one count of criminal damage and one count of common assault. During the hearing, he was accompanied by a Mandarin interpreter, and he was not required to enter a plea at this stage. The prosecution stated that it needs additional time to obtain the victim’s medical report to further clarify the charges.
Chen did not request bail and remains in custody until the next hearing scheduled for Monday, as reported by The Witness. HKFP has reached out to CK Asset Holdings Limited, the company that owns the Cheung Kong Center, to seek further information regarding the incident and its impact on the building’s operations.
Details of the Incident
- Location: Cheung Kong Center, the headquarters of Li Ka-shing.
- Alleged Actions: Splashing red paint in the lobby and assaulting a security guard.
- Victim: A 57-year-old security guard named Law, who suffered neck injuries.
- Arrest: Chen was arrested following the incident on Tuesday.
- Court Proceedings: The case was presented at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday.
Legal Process and Next Steps
- Charges: One count of criminal damage and one count of common assault.
- Court Assistance: Chen was provided with a Mandarin interpreter during the proceedings.
- Plea Status: No plea was required at this stage.
- Bail Decision: Chen did not apply for bail and remains in custody.
- Next Hearing: Scheduled for Monday, with further legal actions expected.
Company Response
CK Asset Holdings Limited, the owner of the Cheung Kong Center, has been contacted by HKFP for comments. The company may provide more details about the incident and any measures being taken to prevent similar events in the future.
Impact on the Area
The Cheung Kong Center is a prominent location in Hong Kong, known for its association with one of the region’s most influential business figures. Any disruption to the building’s operations could have broader implications for the surrounding area and the businesses located within the complex.
Public Reaction
While no official statements have been released from the public or local authorities, the incident has drawn attention due to the high-profile nature of the location. Community members and business owners may be concerned about the safety and security of such a well-known establishment.
Ongoing Investigation
The police are continuing their investigation into the incident, focusing on gathering evidence and reviewing the medical reports of the injured security guard. This will play a crucial role in determining the final outcome of the case against Chen Chao-nan.