A Police Constable admitted at San Po Kong Court today (Thursday) that he had solicited $50,000 and accepted $19,000 in bribes from a female suspect in a drug case for helping her get a lighter sentence in case of a conviction.

Lau Yip-po, 35, was arrested by ICAC officers in a shopping arcade in Wong Tai Sin on Tuesday after receiving $19,000 from the suspect.

He pleaded guilty today to one count each of soliciting $50,000 and accepting $19,000 from Yan Sau-yee on May 30, 2000.

Magistrate Mr Kwok Wai-kin adjourned sentencing until June 15, 2000, pending a background report, and remanded the defendant in ICAC custody.

The court heard that on May 23, 2000, Lau, while patrolling in San Po Kong, stopped and arrested Yan found to be in possession of 32 grams of suspected heroin.

Yan was then taken to the Wong Tai Sin Police Station and put on police bail, pending further investigation.

On May 29, 2000, Lau arranged Yan to meet two police officers, who tried to obtain drug intelligence from her.

Lau met Yan again the following day in a shopping arcade in Fung Tak Estate, Wong Tai Sin. During the meeting, he solicited $50,000 from Yan as a reward for introducing her to become a police informant to enable her to mitigate the punishment she might r eceive in future court proceedings in relation to the drug case.

After taking $19,000 from Yan, Lau was arrested by ICAC officers at the scene.

ICAC officer Lo Cheuk-wa appeared for the prosecution today.