Plaza Hollywood stabber sentenced to indefinite hospital stay

In the 2023 fatal stabbing case at Plaza Hollywood, Diamond Hill, the defendant originally charged with murder pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. The plea was accepted by the prosecution, and he was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order.

Remanded in custody for three years since his arrest, the now 43-year-old defendant, Szeto Sing-kwong, was escorted by a prison van to the High Court for his hearing.

The charges stated that on June 2, 2023, on the third floor of Plaza Hollywood in Diamond Hill, he attacked two women with a knife, causing their deaths. He was charged with two counts of murder.

When entering his plea, the defendant denied murder, stating he was suffering from diminished responsibility at the time of the incident, and pleaded guilty to manslaughter instead.

The prosecution subsequently read out the defendant's statement given under caution, which noted that he had gone to Plaza Hollywood that day and saw people laughing at him, making him feel uncomfortable—a sensation he had experienced before.

He attacked the two women because they made him uncomfortable, claiming he wanted to teach them a lesson and seek revenge, adding that the crime was unplanned.

The prosecution cited the defendant's background report, noting prior convictions for possession of an offensive weapon and assaulting his elder brother causing injury. He had previously been sent to Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre and Kwai Chung Hospital for treatment. Although his condition later improved, he still exhibited violent tendencies. His case was followed up by a community psychiatric nurse. Following his arrest, multiple psychiatrists diagnosed him with schizophrenia.

In sentencing, High Court Judge Esther Toh described this as a tragic case. Medical records showed that the defendant had sought help for his mental health issues and had received treatment at Kwai Chung Hospital.

This tragedy cost two young women their lives, leaving their families facing deep trauma.