A construction site worker was sentenced to six months' imprisonment at Kwun Tong Court today (Wednesday) for accepting a $3,000 bribe from a subcontractor for providing crane services.

Fung Wing-fook, 50, formerly employed by Gammon Construction Limited (Gammon), was caught red-handed by ICAC officers after he had taken the bribe payment.

Fung earlier admitted before Magistrate Garry Tallentire that he had solicited and accepted $3,000 from Lau Kwai-sang as a reward for expediting the delivery of scaffolding materials at a construction site in Sau Mau Ping.

The court heard that the defendant, while being employed by Gammon as a crane operator, solicited $3,000 "tea money" from Lau, a scaffolding sub-contractor, after helping Lau to deliver scaffolding materials. Lau delayed the payment.

During a meeting monitored by ICAC officers, Lau met the defendant at a restaurant in Mong Kok in the evening of August 21, 2000.

After taking $3,000 from Lau, the defendant was arrested by ICAC officers at the scene.

Gammon prohibits its employees from soliciting or accepting advantages in relation to their official duties.

The prosecution was today represented by Senior Government Counsel Alex Lee, assisted by ICAC officer Simon Law Man-kee.