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Drunk driver jailed for killing teacher



Students holding a mini event at the scene in memory of their teacher Chu Chi-shing
A new driver, who hit and killed a 44-year-old teacher on Christmas Eve last year, has been jailed for four years.

Chow Pui-yeung, 24, was also banned from driving for five years.

He ran over pedestrian Chu Chi-shing - a Mandarin and Chinese history teacher at Ning Po No 2 College - who was on his way to a school party.

He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and driving while intoxicated.

A blood test revealed that Chow's blood alcohol level was 144 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood, nearly three times the legal limit of 50 milligrams.


Chu Chi-shing
The court heard that Chow had picked up his girlfriend after she finished work at about 4am and proceeded to share five bottles of whiskey at several bars with friends.

After having downed at least 10 glasses of whiskey-water and a third of a bottle straight-up, Chow then jumped into his car accompanied by his girlfriend and a friend.

Chow dropped off his friend first and continued his journey weaving in and out of traffic.

While trying to overtake a car, Chow lost control when he accelerated to swerve back into his lane.

He crashed into several road barriers and hit Chu and a jogger, who sustained minor injuries, in Sau Mau Ping.

Chow, who is the sole breadwinner in his family, is already serving a 12-month sentence for probation violations which is due to finish in March.

His drink-driving jail term will start after that.

Chow is also facing another trial early next year over alleged possession of dangerous drugs. Chow has a prior conviction for drug possession.

Chow obtained his driving licence only about 10 months before the accident, but he had already been booked for three traffic violations.

Meanwhile, Chu's wife Lau Wai-yin said Chow should be banned from driving for a longer period for public safety.