Suspended jail sentence for former managing editor for corruption
2000-7-5
A former managing editor of a local newspaper's racing section was today (Wednesday) convicted of soliciting a monthly bribe payment of $7,000 and accepting $5,000 cash for securing an additional freelance job for a then subordinate.
Li Hin-choi, 33, former managing editor of the race section of The Sun Newspaper affiliated to the Oriental Press Group Limited, was found guilty of one count of soliciting and one of accepting bribes from Law Siu-cheong.
Law was then employed as an Information Researcher by The Sun and worked under Li.
Magistrate Mr Thomas Tsang of Kwun Tong Court sentenced Li to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for one year, and fined him $20,000.
The ICAC commenced investigations after receiving a corruption complaint. During the investigation, the ICAC received full assistance from the media organisation concerned.
Li, while being employed by The Sun, was responsible for recruiting both permanent and freelance staff members for the racing section and making recommendations on their employment terms.
He was arrested red-handed by ICAC officers after taking the bribe money from Law.
The court heard that on December 20, 1998, Li offered Law a freelance columnist's job with The Sun. He told Law the company would pay him $25,000 a month for the freelance job, and solicited from Law a monthly payment of $7,000 as a reward for the arrang ement.
In order to cover up the scheme, Li instructed Law to take up the additional job with his relative's name. Law agreed to the plot.
During a monitored meeting on May 31, 1999, Law, upon Li's request, gave Li $5,000 cash.
The prosecution was today represented by Senior Government Counsel Alex Lee, assisted by ICAC officer Dickson Chau.
Li Hin-choi, 33, former managing editor of the race section of The Sun Newspaper affiliated to the Oriental Press Group Limited, was found guilty of one count of soliciting and one of accepting bribes from Law Siu-cheong.
Law was then employed as an Information Researcher by The Sun and worked under Li.
Magistrate Mr Thomas Tsang of Kwun Tong Court sentenced Li to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for one year, and fined him $20,000.
The ICAC commenced investigations after receiving a corruption complaint. During the investigation, the ICAC received full assistance from the media organisation concerned.
Li, while being employed by The Sun, was responsible for recruiting both permanent and freelance staff members for the racing section and making recommendations on their employment terms.
He was arrested red-handed by ICAC officers after taking the bribe money from Law.
The court heard that on December 20, 1998, Li offered Law a freelance columnist's job with The Sun. He told Law the company would pay him $25,000 a month for the freelance job, and solicited from Law a monthly payment of $7,000 as a reward for the arrang ement.
In order to cover up the scheme, Li instructed Law to take up the additional job with his relative's name. Law agreed to the plot.
During a monitored meeting on May 31, 1999, Law, upon Li's request, gave Li $5,000 cash.
The prosecution was today represented by Senior Government Counsel Alex Lee, assisted by ICAC officer Dickson Chau.