Elderly Hong Kong man jailed for stabbing younger wife

An elderly Hong Kong man known on the internet as “Mr Ho” has been jailed for two months for stabbing his much younger wife upon learning she was returning to mainland China after their relationship turned sour.

The District Court sentenced 79-year-old Ho Huen in his absence on Tuesday after learning the defendant, who missed an earlier hearing due to an undisclosed medical condition, was still in hospital, with no expected date of discharge in sight.

Judge Stanley Chan Kwong-chi decided the case should be concluded as early as possible given the time Ho had already spent in custody, while noting that his health might worsen further.

Ho earlier pleaded guilty to wounding with intent for using a folding knife to attack his 45-year-old partner Ye Xiuding, known online as “Mrs Ho”, as she was leaving his public rental flat for good on May 30 last year.

The couple’s whirlwind romance became the subject of online gossip after they appeared on a prime-time television programme in 2024 sharing their story and displaying luxurious gifts, which sparked debate over their eligibility for public housing.

They married in March 2024, but their relationship deteriorated as domestic disputes allegedly turned violent.

The court heard that Ho stabbed his wife several times from behind when she was waiting for a lift in the common area.