Solicitor, barrister and two others guilty of plot over ICAC protected witness
2006-6-12
Three persons, including a solicitor, charged by the ICAC, were today (Monday) convicted at the District Court of conspiracy to pervert the course of public justice in relation to a corruption investigation, while a barrister charged in the same case was found guilty of attempting to disclose information about the identity of a protected witness.
Kanjanapas Chong Kwong Derek, also known as Wong Chong-kwong, 38, businessman; Mandy Chui Man-si, 25, company director; and Andrew Lam Ping-cheung, 55, solicitor, were found guilty on one joint charge of conspiracy to pervert the course of public justice. Chui was further convicted of one count of attempted perjury.
Kevin Barry Egan, 59, barrister-at-law, was convicted of two charges of attempting to disclose information about the identity of a participant in the witness protection programme, in violation of the Witness Protection Ordinance.
Chief Judge Barnabas Fung Wah will continue to deliver his reasons for verdict tomorrow (Tuesday).
The court heard that Wong, Chui and Lam had conspired to pervert the course of public justice between July 11 and 17, 2004.
The trio, knowing that Wong and others had been arrested in an ongoing investigation by the ICAC and that criminal proceedings arising from the investigation were possible, had obstructed and hindered the investigation and possible proceedings by seeking to gain access to a person whom they believed to be co-operating with and assisting the ICAC in that investigation.
The court heard that the trio had sought to ascertain what the witness had said to ICAC investigators and influence her against providing assistance or information to the ICAC.
Chui alone was found guilty on one count of attempted perjury on July 16, 2004.
Egan was convicted of two counts of attempting to disclose to a newspaper reporter information about the identity of a participant in the witness protection programme on July 15, 2004, and on another occasion on the same date, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
Wong, Chui and Lam were remanded in the custody of the Correctional Services Department, while Egan was granted cash bail of $50,000 and $50,000 in surety. He was ordered not to leave Hong Kong.
The prosecution was today represented by Roger Beresford, counsel on fiat, assisted by ICAC officer Raymond Yuen.
Kanjanapas Chong Kwong Derek, also known as Wong Chong-kwong, 38, businessman; Mandy Chui Man-si, 25, company director; and Andrew Lam Ping-cheung, 55, solicitor, were found guilty on one joint charge of conspiracy to pervert the course of public justice. Chui was further convicted of one count of attempted perjury.
Kevin Barry Egan, 59, barrister-at-law, was convicted of two charges of attempting to disclose information about the identity of a participant in the witness protection programme, in violation of the Witness Protection Ordinance.
Chief Judge Barnabas Fung Wah will continue to deliver his reasons for verdict tomorrow (Tuesday).
The court heard that Wong, Chui and Lam had conspired to pervert the course of public justice between July 11 and 17, 2004.
The trio, knowing that Wong and others had been arrested in an ongoing investigation by the ICAC and that criminal proceedings arising from the investigation were possible, had obstructed and hindered the investigation and possible proceedings by seeking to gain access to a person whom they believed to be co-operating with and assisting the ICAC in that investigation.
The court heard that the trio had sought to ascertain what the witness had said to ICAC investigators and influence her against providing assistance or information to the ICAC.
Chui alone was found guilty on one count of attempted perjury on July 16, 2004.
Egan was convicted of two counts of attempting to disclose to a newspaper reporter information about the identity of a participant in the witness protection programme on July 15, 2004, and on another occasion on the same date, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
Wong, Chui and Lam were remanded in the custody of the Correctional Services Department, while Egan was granted cash bail of $50,000 and $50,000 in surety. He was ordered not to leave Hong Kong.
The prosecution was today represented by Roger Beresford, counsel on fiat, assisted by ICAC officer Raymond Yuen.