A former Hong Kong district councillor and student leader has been declared bankrupt over debt of HK$140,000 (US$17,931) after he failed to justify his absence from a court hearing or make an application to oppose the order.
The High Court on Thursday explained its reasoning for the bankruptcy order against 30-year-old Tommy Cheung Sau-yin, despite an earlier indication that the defendant would fight the petition lodged by retired teacher Colin Lai Tak-chung.
Madam Justice Linda Chan Ching-fan said Cheung had failed to lodge any submission in opposition to the application.
Cheung said he was ill just before the Monday hearing. But Chan said no medical proof had ever been produced to support the claim.
The former Yuen Long district council member has been sued by several acquaintances over unpaid debts, ranging from HK$10,000 to more than HK$100,000.
Two people have previously obtained judgment against Cheung in the Small Claims Tribunal over a total debt of HK$45,000.
