Man ordered to pay fines at Rockingham court after he gave Fisheries officers false information

At Rockingham Magistrates Court on May 31, Chi Keung Hung pleaded guilty to contravening a provision of an order by refusing to supply Fisheries officers with information.

The Fisheries Department prosecutor said Hung was caught spearfishing at 2.41pm in a restricted zone at Point Peron on March 19.

He said Fisheries officers saw Hung spearfishing in a special purpose area.

When he came to shore, the officers asked him to hand over his catch, but Hung instead tipped them into the water.

The officers retrieved six category four fish and all had marks consistent with having been speared.

The officers tried to get his name and details, but Hung refused to give it to them.

After officers caught up with him two days later, Hung admitted to giving false details and said he was not aware the area was restricted.

Representing himself, Hung said he agreed with the facts. He said he was in Australia on a working holiday visa for a year.

“I am studying and going to have employment in Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific,” he said.

Magistrate Leanne Atkins asked him when he would return to Hong Kong and also about his studies.

Hung said he was leaving on June 16 and that he studied marketing.

“I am concerned you may not be able to pay the fine I will impose,” she said.

“You were spearfishing in a marine park, so you must have known something was wrong when the officers wanted to see your catch. Now you are an intelligent young man, a marketing graduate, so you know what is going on.

“You know you have to comply with the laws of the country you are in.

“You will be fined $400 plus the mandatory $60 penalty and pay costs.

“I am going to order that you pay that immediately as you are leaving the country.”

Hung complied and paid the fines and costs before leaving.