A Swedish businessman jailed for seven years has appealed his conviction at Hong Kong’s Court of Appeal. The case involves a former domestic worker in Hong Kong.
Patrik Tobias Ekstrom was found guilty in August 2024. A seven-member jury convicted him of rape and non-consensual buggery. He is currently on bail while the appeal is heard.
The conviction relates to an incident on 27 October 2022 at Ekstrom’s home in Shek O. The domestic worker, identified only as X, testified he forced her into a bedroom. She said he raped her after returning home late and appearing drunk.
At the appeal, Ekstrom’s lawyer argued the jury may have been misled by hearsay evidence. The lawyer said X testified Ekstrom claimed he had done the same to a former worker. The defence argued the judge should have clearly warned jurors it was hearsay.
The appeal also challenges voice messages X sent to Ekstrom’s wife after the alleged assault. The defence said the messages were too unclear to count as a “recent complaint.” Prosecutors said X reported the case at a police station within three hours.
