The assault case against controversial local businessman Hui Chi-ming has been stood over until January 8 after he was unable to attend a hearing on Friday.

Hui, 56, a former CPPCC delegate and the chairman of HKEx-listed Hong Kong Finance, is accused of assaulting a Tai Long Wan resident, Alexander Robert Medd, in March 29.

Hui’s barrister told the West Kowloon Court that his client had been unable to return from mainland China due to the pandemic travel restrictions. Additionally, his mother had died the day prior to the hearing.

The court approved Hui’s application to defer the case until January 8 to allow him to take care of funeral arrangements.

Hui Chi-ming (left) with former Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa

Hui and another man, Chan Ming-leung, 56, first appeared in court over the charges on August 28. They were released bail of HK$1,000 each.

Chan has been charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Medd in the same incident.

Hui has bought half a dozen properties and carried out a series of unauthorized building works in the remote Lantau village in the last three years.

Photo (top): A Lands Department signs censures Hui’s unauthorized building works

Subscribe to Lantau News Updates. Send a Whatsapp to +852 98172089 with the message ‘subscribe’. Make sure to add the number to your contacts.