A Hong Kong court ruled that two juveniles – 17 and 15 years old – each must compensate local railway operator MTR more than HK$140,000 ($17,900) for vandalizing light-rail facilities during a violent protest in September.

Hong Kong’s months-long violent protests have seen the subway system constantly targeted by rioters, with stations and trains severely vandalized.

The two male defendants on Tuesday pleaded guilty at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts to three counts each of criminal damage. The pair admitted they vandalized five ticketing machines, seven card machines and 12 closed-circuit televisions at three light rail stations in one hour on Sept 7.

The magistrate pointed out that it was a serious case as the two were trying to hide their identities by wearing caps and masks.

The two are still in custody awaiting a Dec 3 sentencing.