Former Hong Kong lawmaker Chim Pui-chung has pleaded for leniency after being found guilty of conspiracy to defraud, pointing to his old age, poor health and significant contributions to society.
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The 78-year-old returned to the District Court on Wednesday, with his legal team making the plea backed by mitigation letters from high-profile politicians.
Chim, who represented the financial services sector in the Legislative Council between 2004 and 2012, has been remanded in custody since last month when he was found guilty of conspiracy to defraud over transactions related to a publicly listed company almost a decade ago.
The court, presided over by Judge Ernest Lin Kam-hung, heard that Chim had been mentally suffering since the 2013 incident due to a delay in prosecution.
The legal team said Chim was almost 80 years old and in poor health, adding a stroke, throat cancer, heart disease and gout had made it difficult for him to walk without help.
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