Disbelief

MR Justice Leonard sentenced Hon Leung-fong to 81/2 years for killing 21-year-old Elaine Luk Yee-ling.

He said it was ''difficult to imagine more reprehensible, premeditated behaviour'' but handed down an 81/2-year sentence on the basis that the starting point was 14 years jail, and 51/2 years could be deducted for a guilty plea, a show of remorse and a clear record.

So anyone who has a clear record, says he is remorseful and pleads guilty can kill and get 81/2 years, or seven years as was the case with Hon's accomplice, if smart enough to do so early in the trial? My friends and I shake our laymen's heads in disbelief.

T. CHU Discovery Bay