Judge refuses interim injunction sought by barrister So Wing
HK01 · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
Barrister So Wing Winky (蘇潁) appeared in the High Court on Friday seeking an interim injunction against Lee Lok-tung (李樂童), whom he accuses of harassment and intimidation. Judge Queeny Au-Yeung Wai-sum refused the interim order, saying the alleged conduct had already continued for years and therefore lacked the urgency needed for temporary relief. The judge also rejected So's applications for anonymity, a gagging order and a closed hearing, holding that open justice should prevail even if the case attracts public attention or causes embarrassment. The case was adjourned for both sides to file the documents needed for the proceedings.
Key Points
- So, 39, earlier sued Lee in High Court case HCMP 1501/2026, seeking broad restraints on contact, harassment, intimidation and proximity to him and associated people and workplaces.
- The proposed order covered So, his mother Anita Kho Mei Soang, Yang Dongyue and Koe Yeet, plus current and former members and staff of three chambers.
- So asked the court to bar Lee from coming within 100 metres of four named individuals and within 50 metres of his home, another residence and three chambers.
- He also sought to stop Lee from contacting him or others by phone, email, text message or social platforms, except for service of legal documents.
- In support of urgency, So said Lee had recently gone to his chambers, tried to identify people whose names she knew, and used different phone numbers while impersonating others.
Why It Matters
The ruling shows the court's reluctance to grant emergency injunctive relief when alleged misconduct is said to have persisted over a long period, even in a dispute involving a legal professional. It also underlines the judiciary's emphasis on open hearings and public scrutiny, despite concerns about reputational damage or links to earlier criminal proceedings.