Solicitor returns from New Zealand to face court for alleged role in liquor licensing scam
2004-2-9
A solicitor, wanted by the ICAC for her alleged involvement in a liquor licensing scam involving the former chairman of the Liquor Licensing Board (LLB), was brought to Eastern Magistracy this (Monday) morning following her return from New Zealand.
Yu Mei-lin Catherine, 41, voluntarily returned from New Zealand to Hong Kong early this morning.
She was wanted to face trial for one count of aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring the commission by another person of the offence of misconduct in public office, contrary to Section 89 of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance and the Common Law.
No plea was taken today. Magistrate Mr Ian Candy adjourned the case until March 1, 2004, pending transfer to District Court.
Yu was granted cash bail of $30,000. She was also ordered not to leave Hong Kong, not to interfere with prosecution witnesses, reside at the reported address, and inform the ICAC of any change of address within 24 hours.
The charge alleged that between January 27 and December 31, 2001, Yu had aided, abetted, counselled or procured the commission by former LLB chairman Wong Hon-ching San Stephen of the offence of misconduct in public office, who, in the course of his publi c office, wilfully and intentionally culpably misconducted himself in that he:
- engaged in discussions with liquor licence applicants and their agents prior to the convening of the LLB meetings during which the liquor licence applications of the applicants would be considered;
- caused the liquor licence applicants to believe that their applications might benefit if Yu was instructed as their legal representative in the LLB meetings;
- improperly provided internal documents of the LLB to Yu;
- failed to act impartially as LLB chairman in providing such documents;
- failed to disclose a conflict between his duty to remain impartial and his interest in maintaining his personal relationship with Yu, at meetings of the LLB of which he was chairman; and
- failed to abstain from the decision making process in respect of those liquor licence applications before the LLB which Yu acted as the legal representative for the liquor licence applicants.
Yu was arrested by the ICAC during a corruption inquiry in March 2002. She was subsequently released on ICAC bail, pending further inquiries.
Yu refused bail in July 2002. She had not returned to Hong Kong after leaving for New Zealand in February last year.
On the application of the ICAC, the Western Magistracy issued a warrant in May last year for the arrest of Yu.
The prosecution was today represented by ICAC officer Markle Ng.
Yu Mei-lin Catherine, 41, voluntarily returned from New Zealand to Hong Kong early this morning.
She was wanted to face trial for one count of aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring the commission by another person of the offence of misconduct in public office, contrary to Section 89 of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance and the Common Law.
No plea was taken today. Magistrate Mr Ian Candy adjourned the case until March 1, 2004, pending transfer to District Court.
Yu was granted cash bail of $30,000. She was also ordered not to leave Hong Kong, not to interfere with prosecution witnesses, reside at the reported address, and inform the ICAC of any change of address within 24 hours.
The charge alleged that between January 27 and December 31, 2001, Yu had aided, abetted, counselled or procured the commission by former LLB chairman Wong Hon-ching San Stephen of the offence of misconduct in public office, who, in the course of his publi c office, wilfully and intentionally culpably misconducted himself in that he:
- engaged in discussions with liquor licence applicants and their agents prior to the convening of the LLB meetings during which the liquor licence applications of the applicants would be considered;
- caused the liquor licence applicants to believe that their applications might benefit if Yu was instructed as their legal representative in the LLB meetings;
- improperly provided internal documents of the LLB to Yu;
- failed to act impartially as LLB chairman in providing such documents;
- failed to disclose a conflict between his duty to remain impartial and his interest in maintaining his personal relationship with Yu, at meetings of the LLB of which he was chairman; and
- failed to abstain from the decision making process in respect of those liquor licence applications before the LLB which Yu acted as the legal representative for the liquor licence applicants.
Yu was arrested by the ICAC during a corruption inquiry in March 2002. She was subsequently released on ICAC bail, pending further inquiries.
Yu refused bail in July 2002. She had not returned to Hong Kong after leaving for New Zealand in February last year.
On the application of the ICAC, the Western Magistracy issued a warrant in May last year for the arrest of Yu.
The prosecution was today represented by ICAC officer Markle Ng.