An Eastern Court magistrate on Wednesday sentenced a former airline employee to 80 hours of community service over a prank on the son of former chief executive CY Leung at the end of 2019.

Lai Siu-wang, an ex-ground staff for Hong Kong Express, earlier pleaded guilty to criminal damage.

The court heard that Lai, 24, and a colleague of his had tampered with the booking records of Leung Chuen-yan and purchased additional services, such as meals and extra baggage, that would have cost him over HK$3000.

In mitigation, the defence lawyer said his client is remorseful. The lawyer also quoted the probation officer as saying that it’s unsuitable to hand down a community service order as Lai needs to take care of his mother who suffers from terminal cancer.

But in passing sentence, magistrate Edward Wong said what the defendant did warrants a jail sentence.

He added that even though a probation order was recommended, he needs to hand down a punishment that can reflect the severity of the case.

The other defendant in the case will appear in court later this month to enter plea.

Kwok Sheung-man is accused of perverting the course of justice and obtaining access to a computer with dishonest intent.