Shatin District Councillor gets 12 months for coach service bribery
2006-1-17
A member of the Shatin District Council, charged by the ICAC, was today (Tuesday) sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment at District Court for soliciting and accepting bribes in relation to the renewal of coach service at a residential estate in Ma On Shan.
Wong Kwok-hung, 48, who is also the chairman of the Incorporated Owners (IO) of Kam Ying Court Phase II, Ma On Shan, was earlier found guilty of two bribery offences - one of soliciting an advantage and one of accepting an advantage as an agent.
In sentencing, Deputy Judge Andrew Ma said as a businessman for many years, the defendant must be aware of the consequences of corruption.
The judge reprimanded the defendant for abusing his capacity as the IO chairman to solicit a huge bribe for the renewal of coach service.
The judge added the starting point of 18 months was reduced to 12 months, taking into account his clear record as well as contribution to the society.
The court heard that since 2003, Nam Hoi Bus Services Company Limited (Nam Hoi) has been operating a coach service between Kam Ying Court, Ma On Shan and Cheung Yue Street, Lai Chi Kwok for residents of Kam Ying Court.
In order to continue its service, it was necessary for Nam Hoi to renew the passenger service licence certificate. The renewal of the certificate required the recommendation of Wong as the IO chairman.
The court heard that on about February 24, 2004, Wong solicited $100,000 from a director of Nam Hoi as a reward for assisting Nam Hoi in renewing the certificate.
On September 23, 2004, Wong was arrested by the ICAC after having accepted $30,000 from the director of Nam Hoi as partial payment.
The meeting was arranged by the ICAC, which had provided the cash to the director of Nam Hoi and recorded the serial numbers of the banknotes.
The prosecution was today represented by Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Alex Lee, assisted by ICAC officer Margaret Tsai.
Wong Kwok-hung, 48, who is also the chairman of the Incorporated Owners (IO) of Kam Ying Court Phase II, Ma On Shan, was earlier found guilty of two bribery offences - one of soliciting an advantage and one of accepting an advantage as an agent.
In sentencing, Deputy Judge Andrew Ma said as a businessman for many years, the defendant must be aware of the consequences of corruption.
The judge reprimanded the defendant for abusing his capacity as the IO chairman to solicit a huge bribe for the renewal of coach service.
The judge added the starting point of 18 months was reduced to 12 months, taking into account his clear record as well as contribution to the society.
The court heard that since 2003, Nam Hoi Bus Services Company Limited (Nam Hoi) has been operating a coach service between Kam Ying Court, Ma On Shan and Cheung Yue Street, Lai Chi Kwok for residents of Kam Ying Court.
In order to continue its service, it was necessary for Nam Hoi to renew the passenger service licence certificate. The renewal of the certificate required the recommendation of Wong as the IO chairman.
The court heard that on about February 24, 2004, Wong solicited $100,000 from a director of Nam Hoi as a reward for assisting Nam Hoi in renewing the certificate.
On September 23, 2004, Wong was arrested by the ICAC after having accepted $30,000 from the director of Nam Hoi as partial payment.
The meeting was arranged by the ICAC, which had provided the cash to the director of Nam Hoi and recorded the serial numbers of the banknotes.
The prosecution was today represented by Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Alex Lee, assisted by ICAC officer Margaret Tsai.