Boy, 16, is first to be convicted of possessing laser pointer at Hong Kong protests

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A 16-year-old student has become the first to be convicted of possessing a laser pointer at the anti-government protests that have rocked Hong Kong for months.

Passing his verdict on Thursday, West Kowloon acting chief magistrate So Wai-tak ruled the device – widely used by demonstrators in the city against police officers – was not an offensive weapon in itself, but could amount to one depending on the circumstances and intent.