Timeline: The trial of Carson Yeung

May 2013 - Yeung's trial begins. The tycoon pleads not guilty to five counts of money laundering involving a total of HK$721 million. The court hears that Yeung once reported earning nothing for half a decade, but his income later shot up 300 times in only seven years. Accounting experts look into tens of millions of dollars in cheques that were deposited into Yeung's accounts by Macau casino bosses.

June 2013 - District Judge Douglas Yau Tak-hong rules that Yeung must answer for money laundering charges involving more than HK$700 million. Yeung's defence attorneys begin preparations to call at least six witnesses to testify, but Yeung himself has yet to take the stand. 

July 2013 - Witnesses reveal that Yeung had substantial mainland connections, had previously met with Jia Qinglin, one of the highest ranking members of the mainland's Standing Committee, and made a donation of 10 million yuan (HK$12.52 million) to the development of Tibet. Testimonies reveal that the businessman was "passionate about football" and had the intention "to open many training schools on the mainland" after buying Birmingham City Football Club. Yeung decides not to take the stand and his trial adjourns until October.

September 2013 - Yeung changes his mind and requests to take the stand at the trial's re-opening in October. Judge Yau agrees to the "unusual" request on the grounds that Yeung's first-hand evidence will be "substantial to the case".