The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has presented "Highly Commended" awards to six Hong Kong Police (HKP) officers for assisting with the investigation, arrest, extradition and trial of a murder. This is the first time PSNI has presented such award to an overseas police force since its inception.

The presentation was made by a PSNI delegation led by PSNI Assistant Chief Constable (Crime), Mr Peter Sheridan, in the Liaison Bureau. Mr Sheridan, together with two delegation members, Detective Chief Superintendent Norman Baxter and Detective Chief Inspector David Cunningham, was received by Acting Commissioner Yam Tat-wing and other senior officers.

Said Mr Cunningham about the presentation: "Every year, our Chief Constable presents his Highly Commended awards to officers who have produced outstanding work during their investigations. This year in recognition of the excellent assistance given, and for the first time ever to another Force, our Chief Constable decided to present the awards to the Hong Kong Police."

The trial in Belfast, Northern Ireland, from March to May, this year concluded a 10-year investigation to bring the culprit to justice, with the mandatory life sentence being imposed. The presiding judge also recommended a minimum of 18 years be served before the culprit can be considered for parole.

Investigation began in 1998

The investigation began in 1998 when the pregnant victim, a Hong Kong migrant, was found strangled to death inside her Belfast home. Initial enquiries focused on foul play by the victim's married boy friend, who planned to end the relationships by contracting a killer from Hong Kong. However, he was acquitted of procuring her murder, and PSNI officers turned their attention to the contract killer. A series of requests for assistance were made to the Force, with Detective Senior Inspector Ricky So, then from the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB), being given the responsibility to handle the initial requests.

"It's very rewarding that a case I dealt with all those years ago has resulted in the trial and conviction of the offender. It was a pleasure to help," said DSIP So.

As the case progressed, DSIP Sam Lau, also from OCTB, took over from DSIP So and enquiries intensified to establish a link between the suspect and the victim. DSIP Lau said: "With the investigation progressing in Belfast, it was vital for us to collect evidence in a timely manner, as there would be a request for the arrest of the fugitive."

LB officers, Detective Senior Constables Ng Pong-ming and Yip Chi-keung, all led by DSIP Tobi Lothian and supported by OCTB, arrested the fugitive, a Hong Kong resident, in August 2006. The fugitive contested the extradition proceedings but was removed from Hong Kong in June 2007. However, that did not bring an end to the case as a few other lines of enquiry had to be pursued before the trial could begin.

Explained DSIP Lothian of LB: "After the extradition, we needed to prepare for the trial, as there were 19 Hong Kong witnesses who were scheduled to give evidence. The prosecution case against the murderer was built on circumstantial evidences and the testimonies from the Hong Kong witnesses were pivotal. A request was received by DoJ (Department of Justice) to allow the witnesses to give evidence via video link at the Technology Court located at the High Court. This took time to co-ordinate availability of the court, presiding Magistrate, staff and the witnesses. However, the professional guidance and assistance from DoJ has smoothed out numerous challenges."

Emotional DVD from victim family

During the award presentation, PSNI played an emotional DVD from the cousin of the victim, who depicted the event as a real roller coaster ride, falling on the acquittal of the mastermind, but regaining faith upon the arrest of the contract killer. Justice has been served and the victim's family expressed their gratitude for all the hard work done by the HKP and PSNI to put the culprit behind bars.

Commenting on the case, Mr Sheridan said: "This case shows how valuable international co-operation is and without the help from the Hong Kong Police, this murder culprit would never have been convicted. We're very grateful for everything that was undertaken by the HKP."

Acting Commissioner Yam Tat-wing commented: "The work done by my officers reflects the high standards of professionalism and dedication that the Hong Kong Police are renowned for. The co-operation and assistance provided in this cross-jurisdiction investigation and judicial proceedings demonstrate why emphasis is placed on this area of Police work and the need to continue this trend."