A Hospital Authority manager and a doctor accused of stealing more than HK$1,600 (US$203) worth of food from a supermarket in Hong Kong have been charged with theft, with their case adjourned to September.
The two defendants, Chiu Ming-yu, 47, and Vivien Chuang Wai-man, 48, who both claimed to be doctors, appeared in Kowloon City Court on Thursday for the second time after their first hearing in May.
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They were charged with theft for allegedly stealing a watermelon, a melon, two puddings, two packs of blueberries, two packs of sashimi, a pack of sushi and a bag of pre-packed chicken worth HK$1,632.8 from the AEON store in Hung Hom on April 23 this year.
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Vivien Chuang, who works as a chief manager for infection, emergency and contingency at the Hospital Authority, once hosted the daily Covid-19 press briefing with Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan, head of the communicable disease branch of the Centre for Health Protection. Chiu is reportedly an orthopaedic specialist.
Acting Principal Magistrate Peony Wong Nga-yan granted an adjournment to allow the defence team and the Department of Justice more time to consider alternative means of handling the case, which is set for September 28.
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The pair were granted bail on existing conditions. The duo made their first appearance in court on May 19 and were not required to enter a plea. They were each granted bail of HK$500, while the case was adjourned to Thursday to allow the defence to obtain relevant documents and seek legal advice.
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