Hong Kong man sentenced to almost three years in prison for trying to set policewoman ex-girlfriend on fire

The owner of a pest control company was yesterday sentenced to two years and 10 months in prison for attempting to set his ex-girlfriend and her home on fire with paint thinner after sending her harassing messages.

As she handed down the decision, Deputy Judge Ivy Chui Yee-mei said the offences committed by Calvin Lau Man-wai, 27, were particularly serious because he brought flammable liquid to the home of victim Kwok Lai-yin, who was a policewoman.

Lau had earlier pleaded guilty at the District Court to one count of attempted arson and one of false imprisonment.

"The defendant's acts are extremely naïve and irrational," Chui said. "This court cannot tolerate the defendant's radical acts to express his dissatisfaction towards [Kwok]."

However, Chui gave Lau a two-month discount on his jail term, on top of the usual one-third discount for his guilty plea because the victim wrote to the court to appeal for leniency.

Kwok said Lau had bravely admitted his own mistakes and had engaged in self-reflection after the incident.

The court heard that on the afternoon on February 10, Lau sent Kwok "harassing" messages on WhatsApp such as, "Even if I am jailed for life, I will make you die."