Social worker bound over after following woman home
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A 58-year-old social worker, Lau Yan-wah, was due to stand trial at Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts over a loitering charge linked to an incident at the Malibu estate on Wan Po Road in Tseung Kwan O. After discussions between the prosecution and defence, the court approved disposal by way of a bind-over, requiring Lau to sign HK$1,500 to keep the peace for 24 months, and the charge was withdrawn. Agreed facts said he rode the same lift as the complainant, claimed he worked in hospital orthopaedics, warned that her shoes could damage her knees and spine, and then followed her to her door asking to go inside to demonstrate stretching. Police later said Lau admitted under caution that he had followed the woman and said he had only wanted to share his views out of goodwill.
Key Points
- Lau Yan-wah, 58, had been charged with loitering in a common area of a Malibu residential block on September 27, 2025.
- The charge alleged his solitary presence caused woman X reasonably to worry about her own safety or interests.
- In court, Magistrate Yau Kwok-sun asked whether the case could be handled differently before trial formally began.
- The defence stressed Lau had a good background, no criminal record, no physical contact occurred, and he felt deeply sorry.
- Police said Lau lived in a nearby estate about a 10-minute walk away and later admitted following X from LOHAS Park to Malibu.
Why It Matters
The case shows how conduct in shared residential spaces can still lead to criminal proceedings even without physical contact, if it causes a resident reasonable fear for personal safety. It also illustrates the court’s willingness, in some circumstances, to resolve a case by bind-over after considering a defendant’s background and the specific facts.