Australian Lawyer Sentenced for Hong Kong Dine-and-Dash Spree
Australian lawyer Samuel Monkivitch has been issued a fine and a suspended 18-month jail term after pleading guilty to multiple charges stemming from a series of unpaid bills across Hong Kong.
Court Rulings and Penalties
Appearing before Magistrate David Cheung at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts, the 50-year-old Monkivitch admitted to four instances of making off without payment between April 24 and May 5. These incidents occurred at luxury venues, including the Kowloon Shangri-La’s Cafe Kool in Tsim Sha Tsui and the Island Shangri-La’s Cafe Too in Admiralty, as well as two other establishments in Wan Chai and Central.
The court heard that the unpaid bills at these four eateries totaled approximately HK$2,039. Monkivitch was fined HK$2,000 and received a six-week jail sentence, which has been suspended for 18 months.
Monkivitch was ordered to pay HK$12,539.90 to cover the cost of unpaid bills and a damaged iPhone. A family member who travelled to Hong Kong for the hearing agreed to pay the fine.
Criminal Damage and Professional Fallout
The legal proceedings also addressed criminal damage charges. Allegations state that on May 4, Monkivitch destroyed a sales terminal at the Island Shangri-La and damaged an individual’s iPhone outside the Hong Kong Museum of History in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Monkivitch, who represented himself in court, confirmed he is currently unemployed following his month in custody. His former employer, KorumLegal, stated that they have parted ways with him.
When questioned about his travel plans, Monkivitch indicated he would likely return to Australia immediately following his release on Friday.
Earlier Legal Offenses
This recent sentencing follows a separate case last month where Monkivitch was fined HK$3,000. He pleaded guilty to two counts of making off without payment and one count of common assault.
Those charges involved a March 23 incident at a Chiu Chow restaurant in Causeway Bay’s Times Square, where he failed to pay a bill of HK$639.10. During a subsequent altercation with a bystander, Monkivitch reportedly asked, “Do you want your head smashed in?”
He was also accused of leaving a massage parlour, Footaholic in Wan Chai, on March 25 without settling a bill of HK$586.
Potential Next Steps
Following his release, Monkivitch may face further professional scrutiny in Australia regarding his legal credentials. The suspended nature of his sentence means he could face immediate imprisonment if he violates the terms of his probation over the next 18 months.
His return to Australia is a possible next step, which may shift any further disciplinary actions to his home jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total amount Monkivitch was ordered to pay for damages and bills?
He was ordered to pay HK$12,539.90 to cover unpaid bills and a damaged iPhone.
Which luxury hotels were involved in the recent charges?
The charges included unpaid bills at the Island Shangri-La’s Cafe Too in Admiralty and the Kowloon Shangri-La’s Cafe Kool in Tsim Sha Tsui.
What was the outcome of the common assault charge?
Monkivitch pleaded guilty to the charge, which was part of a separate case last month resulting in a HK$3,000 fine.
Do you believe professional licenses should be automatically reviewed following criminal convictions abroad?