A former supervisor of a primary cum junior secondary school, charged by the ICAC, was today (Thursday) sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment at the District Court for deceiving a parent into granting her $200,000 to help fund a proposed merger of the school with an international school.

Carmen Liang Shuk-ching, 47, former supervisor of the Pegasus Philip Wong Kin-Hang Christian Primary School cum Junior Secondary School, was earlier found guilty of one count of fraud.

In sentencing, Deputy Judge Don So Man-lung said the offence committed by the defendant was serious and undermined the trust placed in her by the parent.

The judge added that the starting point of 20 months was reduced to 15 months, taking into account the defendant’s clear record, her contribution to society as well as her repayment of $200,000 to the parent.

The case arose from a corruption complaint. Subsequent ICAC enquiries revealed the above offence.

The court heard that in 2001, Pegasus Social Service Christian Organisation Limited (PSSCOL) established the school, of which the defendant was a supervisor.

In early 2007, the defendant falsely represented to some parents that the school had successfully merged with Sear Rogers International School (Sear Rogers). Among the parents was Tam Chi-shuk.

The defendant told Tam that it was necessary to redeem the debentures issued by Sear Rogers for the merger, the court heard.

Having claimed that PSSCOL did not have sufficient funds to meet the payments, the defendant asked Tam for a loan of $200,000. Tam acceded to the defendant’s request and lent her the money.

When interviewed by ICAC officers, Pei Chen Chi-kuen, supervisor of Sear Rogers, stated that she had never requested the defendant to redeem the debentures, the court was told.

The prosecution was today represented by Senior Public Prosecutor Derek Lai, assisted by ICAC officer Kienn Tang.