Theft case vs OFW accused of stealing judge’s wallet dropped

The Eastern Magistrates' Courts in Sai Wan Ho.

A judge at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts has rescheduled the case of the Filipina domestic worker who was initially charged with stealing the wallet of a High Court judge.

Eastern Principal Magistrate Peter Law on March 19 reset the case against the defendant, with initials M.P.C., for four weeks upon the petition of the defense.

“Upon the request of the defense, I further adjourn the case to April 17,” Judge Law said.

The Filipina’s lawyers had asked for more time so that they could gather more documentary evidence for their client.

The domestic worker was initially charged with two counts of theft after she allegedly stole the wallet of High Court Judge Jonathan Harris and money from another Filipino helper.

The defendant allegedly took the judge’s wallet, which contained $700 and credit cards, at her judge’s home on Mt. Kellet Road at the Peak in January. She also allegedly stole $590 from her fellow Filipina.

The judge is reported to have questioned the Filipina but she denied stealing the wallet. He terminated her contract and reported the case to the police.

In February, government lawyers decided drop the theft charge against the defendant for allegedly stealing the judge’s wallet.

However, prosecutors are pursuing the case against the defendant for allegedly stealing from her fellow Filipino domestic worker. The Philippine Consulate General is providing assistance to the 38-year-old defendant, a first-time worker in Hong Kong.