A former care assistant of an elderly home appeared at the Eastern Magistracy today (Thursday) after being charged by the ICAC for allegedly offering $10,000 to an employee of the elderly home for securing and retaining the employment of the care assistant’s sister.

Yuen Miu-ling, 66, former care assistant of Tak On Nursing Centre Limited (Tak On), who was charged on Tuesday (February 10), faced one count of offering an advantage to an agent, contrary to Section 9(2)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.

The defendant today pleaded not guilty to the charge. Magistrate So Wai-tak adjourned the case to March 23 this year for a pre-trial review.

At the material time, the defendant was a care assistant of Tak On, which operated an elderly home in Sheung Wan.

The charge alleged that on July 22, 2013, the defendant, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, offered $10,000 to an employee of the elderly home as a reward for securing and retaining the employment of the defendant’s younger sister with Tak On.

The defendant was granted cash bail of $3,000, and ordered not to interfere with prosecution witnesses.

Tak On had rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation.

The prosecution was today represented by ICAC officer Janice Chan.