Ailing Pinay admits to overstaying in HK

Shatin Magistrates Courts

A 69-year-old former domestic worker has surrendered to the Immigration Department after overstaying in Hong Kong for more than six years now.

An apparently ailing T. Sabino pleaded guilty to breach of condition of stay before the Shatin Magistracy Courts on June 7.

She had been overstaying in the city since her visa expired in February 2011 and had surrendered to authorities on May 19, 2017. Her duty lawyer said Sabino, single, had a clear record in Hong Kong and had been working as a domestic helper in the city for 30 years.

“The main mitigating factor here is that she surrendered to authorities and she pleaded guilty,” the duty lawyer said.

Seeing the defendant grimacing in pain, Deputy Magistrate Lam Tsz-kan told the defendant she could sit on a chair during the court proceedings.

Sabino’s lawyer told the court the defendant was complaining of abdominal pains.

Judge Lam called for medical reports on the defendant and adjourned Sabino’s sentencing to July 5.