Jockey faces court for alleged tips-for-bets bribery scam
2006-9-15
A former retained jockey of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, charged by the ICAC for his alleged involvement in a tips-for-bets bribery scam, appeared in Eastern Magistracy today (Friday).
Christopher James Munce, 37, faced one count of conspiracy for an agent to accept advantages, contrary to Section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (PBO) and Section 159A of the Crimes Ordinance.
No plea was taken. Magistrate Mr David Thomas adjourned the case to October 6, 2006 for plea at the District Court.
Munce was granted bail of $100,000 in cash and $100,000 in surety. He was also ordered to inform the ICAC of his itinerary 48 hours before leaving Hong Kong, and not to interfere with prosecution witnesses.
Under Section 9(1)(a) of the PBO, it is an offence for an agent, without lawful or reasonable excuse, to solicit or accept advantages in relation to his principal's affairs or business.
The charge alleged that between December 14, 2005 and July 3, 2006, Munce being an agent, namely a jockey acting for horse trainers, had conspired with other persons for Munce to accept advantages from a businessman, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
The alleged advantages, namely placing bets in horse races on behalf of Munce and monetary dividends from horse races, were said to be rewards for Munce supplying horse racing tips to the businessman and riding in horse races in a manner consistent with t hose racing tips.
The prosecution was today represented by Senior Government Counsel Marco Li, assisted by ICAC officer Lawrence Hong.
Christopher James Munce, 37, faced one count of conspiracy for an agent to accept advantages, contrary to Section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (PBO) and Section 159A of the Crimes Ordinance.
No plea was taken. Magistrate Mr David Thomas adjourned the case to October 6, 2006 for plea at the District Court.
Munce was granted bail of $100,000 in cash and $100,000 in surety. He was also ordered to inform the ICAC of his itinerary 48 hours before leaving Hong Kong, and not to interfere with prosecution witnesses.
Under Section 9(1)(a) of the PBO, it is an offence for an agent, without lawful or reasonable excuse, to solicit or accept advantages in relation to his principal's affairs or business.
The charge alleged that between December 14, 2005 and July 3, 2006, Munce being an agent, namely a jockey acting for horse trainers, had conspired with other persons for Munce to accept advantages from a businessman, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
The alleged advantages, namely placing bets in horse races on behalf of Munce and monetary dividends from horse races, were said to be rewards for Munce supplying horse racing tips to the businessman and riding in horse races in a manner consistent with t hose racing tips.
The prosecution was today represented by Senior Government Counsel Marco Li, assisted by ICAC officer Lawrence Hong.