A former sales manager of a property agency, charged by the ICAC, was today (Tuesday) sentenced to an imprisonment of 10 months and two weeks at Eastern Magistracy after being convicted of soliciting illegal commissions from his subordinate in leasing transactions.

The defendant, 52, was today found guilty of one count of agent soliciting an advantage, contrary to Section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.

In sentencing, Magistrate Mr Johnny Chan Jong-herng said the court had to mete out a jail term to the defendant to reflect the seriousness of his bribery offence.

The court heard that at the material times, the defendant was employed by the property agency as a sales manager posted to its branch in Tsimshatsui. A property agent was under his supervision.

On March 7, 2010, the defendant was approached by a couple who wanted to rent a residential flat in Tsimshatsui. The defendant assigned the property agent to take the couple to view some properties.

Introduced by the property agent, the couple decided to rent a flat in a private housing estate for $25,000 per month in that afternoon. Subsequently, a provisional rental agreement was signed by the couple, who agreed to pay $12,500 as commission to the property agency.

The court heard that in the evening of that day, the defendant and the property agent had dinner with the couple at a restaurant.

During the dinner, the couple told the property agent that they also wished to rent a parking space in the private housing estate.

After returning to the branch, the defendant solicited from the property agent 30% of her share of commissions to be received from the property agency in relation to the leasing transactions.

On March 8, 2010, the property agent found a parking space in the private housing estate for the couple, who agreed to pay $1,050 as commission to the property agency.

The court heard that in April 2010, the property agent received commissions of $3,560 from the property agency for the transactions.

One month later, the defendant rang the property agent and told her that she should pay him $2,000. The defendant also asked her to transfer the money into his bank account, the court was told.

The prosecution was today represented by prosecuting counsel Stephen Lau, assisted by ICAC officer Jonathan Ho.