A mortuary worker of the Department of Health, charged by the ICAC, was today (Thursday) sentenced to 150 hours of community service at Shatin Magistracy for accepting bribes for releasing information on dead bodies to a funeral parlour operator.

Cheung Chi-hung, 59, Workman I of the Department of Health, earlier pleaded guilty to three counts of public servant accepting an advantage, contrary to Section 4(2)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.

In sentencing, Magistrate Mr Li Wai-chi said the bribery offences were serious and warranted an immediate custodial sentence. However, in view of the defendant’s educational background and clear record, a community service order was imposed on him.

The court heard that in April 2006, the defendant was acting up as a Mortuary Attendant at the Fu Shan Public Mortuary, responsible for receiving information from police officers about dead bodies delivered to the mortuary.

The court also heard that the proprietor of a funeral parlour often visited the mortuary to tout business. On three occasions between October 2006 and September 2007, the defendant accepted a total of $300 and a moon-cake coupon from the proprietor.

In return, the defendant provided the proprietor with information in relation to dead bodies delivered to the mortuary, the court was told.

The prosecution was today represented by prosecuting counsel Sabrina See, assisted by ICAC officer Phyllis Wong.