A Principal Fireman of the Fire Services Department, charged by the ICAC, was today (Friday) convicted of soliciting and accepting advantages from his subordinates without permission.

Li Chi, 51, was found guilty of one count of soliciting a $6,000 loan, and one of accepting a two-tael gold bracelet from his subordinates without the general or special permission of the Chief Executive, contrary to Section 3 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.

Shatin Court's Magistrate Ms Angela Kot adjourned sentencing to February 7, 2003, pending the defendant's community service, background and probation reports. The defendant was granted bail of $5,000 in cash.

The court heard that on May 3, 2001, the defendant solicited a loan of $6,000 from fireman Ngai Wing-yee for purchasing a private car from another colleague.

Ngai's wife, on his husband's behalf, transferred $6,000 to the defendant's bank account.

The defendant subsequently repaid the loan in full.

The court also heard that in early November 2001, Ngai and other colleagues suggested buying the defendant a one-tael gold bracelet for his upcoming birthday.

The defendant agreed to the idea and counterproposed purchasing a two-tael gold bracelet instead, while he would contribute half the price.

Subsequently, 14 of his subordinates each contributed $200 to $300 to the gift.

A two-tael gold bracelet, worth $6,330, was presented to the defendant at a birthday party held in the Mainland on November 7, 2001.

The defendant gave Ngai $3,000 as his contribution to half the price of the bracelet.

The prosecution was today represented by Richard Donald on a fiat, assisted by ICAC officer Grace Yee.