High school basketball coach sentenced to nearly five years for sexual exploitation of minors

October 2, 2024 – (Hong Kong) A male basketball coach at a local high school has been sentenced to four years and nine months in prison after admitting a series of charges relating to the exploitation of underage male students. The coach, identified as Ho Chun-wing, 26, was found guilty of 20 offences, including seven charges of inciting minors to commit serious indecent acts, and multiple charges of indecency and obstruction of justice.

The case, which came to light following a complaint from one of the victims to his mother, involved eleven male students between the ages of 14 and 16. During the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent home workouts, Ho demanded nude photos and masturbation videos. of students, who claimed it was to observe their muscle development and improve their sports performance.

Ho’s deception did not stop at exploitation for sexual gratification; he also invited students to his home under the pretext of playing video games or offering massages, again engaging in indecent acts. The incidents, some of which took place in sports facilities and MTR stations, were part of a wider pattern of abuse in which the coach used his authority to manipulate and coerce the students.

After his arrest on May 19, 2022, Ho tried to obstruct the criminal investigation by ordering some boys to delete incriminating messages and images. This act led to additional charges of attempting to obstruct justice. In his confession, Ho admitted that his actions were driven by curiosity and sexual impulses, falsely claiming that such activities could reflect on the students’ athletic performance.

The court’s decision reflected the seriousness of the offences, with the judge noting that Ho’s receipt of the explicit material gave him a sense of satisfaction, and highlighting the moderate to high risk of reoffending.