A Hong Kong construction worker has been found guilty of stabbing his girlfriend and her two children to death after a court acquitted him of the more serious crime of murder.

But a High Court judge on Thursday warned Iu Wai-cheung, who cut the mother more than 100 times, that her sentence would not be “just a year or two.” When the hearing ended, the defendant gave a “thumbs up” sign to his lawyer.

After completing the rampage on July 12, 2021, seven jurors acquitted the 65-year-old on three counts of murder, instead finding him guilty of the lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter. .

Lady Justice Judianna Wai-ling Barnes asked the defense and prosecution to look at case law on manslaughter ahead of sentencing, which will take place after the defendant makes a mitigation offer on November 12.

The judge added that although the defendant was acquitted of murder, his actions led to the deaths of three people and the sentence would not be “just a year or two”.

“I have great discretion as to what kind of sentence to impose,” Barnes said.

The court heard Iu told police she became enraged after Wen continued to call her “old and broke” and told her she was lucky to be with “someone 20 years younger”.