Ex-policeman jailed for bribery after absconding for 22 years
2007-2-1
A former Detective Police Constable, who was wanted by the ICAC for 22 years, was today (Thursday) sentenced to one year and 10 months’ imprisonment at the District Court after pleading guilty to taking $25,000 in bribes from a woman charged by the Police for performing an illegal abortion.
Lai Chi-ming, 55, pleaded guilty to two counts of accepting an advantage, contrary to Section 4(2)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.
In sentencing, Deputy Judge Amanda Jane Woodcock said integrity in the Police Force was very important, and that corruption committed by its officers might undermine public confidence in the Force.
The judge added that any law enforcement officer found to have abused his office should be severely punished.
The court heard that at the time of the offences in November 1983, Lai was attached to Team II of the District Crime Squad at Wanchai Police Station. The team undertook an investigation into the death of a woman, on whom an illegal abortion had been perf ormed.
During the course of the investigation, another woman was arrested for a suspected offence of conspiracy to procure an abortion.
When being detained at the police station, the suspect was interviewed by Lai, who later told her that he could "assist" in her case.
Two days later, Lai telephoned the suspect to arrange for a meeting.
At the meeting, Lai told the suspect that his superior had demanded a sum of money as a reward to frustrate the investigation.
Believing in what Lai told her, the suspect gave him $10,000.
However, the suspect was subsequently charged by the Police with conspiring to procure an illegal abortion.
The court also heard that Lai further contacted the suspect to solicit an additional $15,000, claiming that evidence adduced at her trial would be in her favour.
The suspect consented, and gave Lai $15,000 which she had borrowed from her friends.
In July 1984, Lai's corrupt acts were exposed when the suspect approached his superior with a view to confirming whether Lai's promise of "assistance" would be honoured.
A report was then made to the ICAC, the court was told.
Lai was subsequently arrested and charged by the ICAC for allegedly committing bribery offences.
Lai failed to appear in court to face trial, and a warrant was issued for his arrest in September 1984.
Lai was arrested at the Lo Wu control point on his attempt to enter Hong Kong from the Mainland in November last year.
The prosecution was today represented by Senior Government Counsel William Tam, assisted by ICAC officer Gary Tam.
Lai Chi-ming, 55, pleaded guilty to two counts of accepting an advantage, contrary to Section 4(2)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.
In sentencing, Deputy Judge Amanda Jane Woodcock said integrity in the Police Force was very important, and that corruption committed by its officers might undermine public confidence in the Force.
The judge added that any law enforcement officer found to have abused his office should be severely punished.
The court heard that at the time of the offences in November 1983, Lai was attached to Team II of the District Crime Squad at Wanchai Police Station. The team undertook an investigation into the death of a woman, on whom an illegal abortion had been perf ormed.
During the course of the investigation, another woman was arrested for a suspected offence of conspiracy to procure an abortion.
When being detained at the police station, the suspect was interviewed by Lai, who later told her that he could "assist" in her case.
Two days later, Lai telephoned the suspect to arrange for a meeting.
At the meeting, Lai told the suspect that his superior had demanded a sum of money as a reward to frustrate the investigation.
Believing in what Lai told her, the suspect gave him $10,000.
However, the suspect was subsequently charged by the Police with conspiring to procure an illegal abortion.
The court also heard that Lai further contacted the suspect to solicit an additional $15,000, claiming that evidence adduced at her trial would be in her favour.
The suspect consented, and gave Lai $15,000 which she had borrowed from her friends.
In July 1984, Lai's corrupt acts were exposed when the suspect approached his superior with a view to confirming whether Lai's promise of "assistance" would be honoured.
A report was then made to the ICAC, the court was told.
Lai was subsequently arrested and charged by the ICAC for allegedly committing bribery offences.
Lai failed to appear in court to face trial, and a warrant was issued for his arrest in September 1984.
Lai was arrested at the Lo Wu control point on his attempt to enter Hong Kong from the Mainland in November last year.
The prosecution was today represented by Senior Government Counsel William Tam, assisted by ICAC officer Gary Tam.