A goods vehicle driver was today (Tuesday) sentenced at Tuen Mun Magistracy for offering $500 to a police officer for not taking enforcement action against him for rushing a red traffic light.

Wang Peng-fe, 38, was earlier found guilty of one count of offering an advantage to a public servant, contrary to Section 4(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.

Magistrate Mr Tam Kwok-wah sentenced Wang to six months' imprisonment, suspended for two years.

The court heard that on August 19, 2002, Wang rushed a red traffic light while driving a light goods vehicle along Castle Peak Road, Yuen Long.

A Senior Police Constable intercepted Wang and asked him to produce his identity card and driving licence.

Wang took out a $500 banknote from his wallet, tucked it into the waist belt of the policeman, and said "Don't charge me".

The police officer refused the bribe on the spot, and arrested Wang for the alleged corruption offence.

When interviewed under caution at the police station, Wang said he was a new migrant to Hong Kong and did not comprehend Cantonese.

Wang also claimed that he thought the police officer was asking him to pay the penalty for rushing the red traffic light on the spot.

The case was subsequently referred to the ICAC.

ICAC enquiries revealed that Wang had been issued fixed penalty tickets for committing traffic offences on a number of occasions prior to this incident, and that he understood Cantonese.

The prosecution was today represented by Senior Government Counsel Winnie Ho, assisted by ICAC officer Beta Leung.