A 27-year-old man has been jailed 15 months for blackmail, at the District Court.

A 48-year-old man, who was hawking near Mei Foo MTR Station, was approached by a group who demanded protection money on January 4. They made the same demand the next day and damaged the victim's trolley when he refused to pay.

A report was made to Police, and the victim later pointed out an 18-year-old man who was among the gang members. Subsequent enquiries led to the arrest of another 11 men, aged 17 to 28. Of them, four men were charged with blackmail and they appeared in the District Court today. Two 18-year-olds were sent to training and detention centres.

The remaining 17-year-old man was acquitted.