A JUDGE castigated a former sergeant for tarnishing the reputation of the police force by taking bribes when he handed down a 31/2-year jail term yesterday.
Judge Beeson said Yuen Kam-bor, 36, accepted $448,000 in bribes for tipping off brothels about police raids while serving in the Special Duties Squad of Wong Tai Sin police.
The sentence was 'a bit lenient', but consideration was given to the fact that Yuen pleaded guilty to two corruption charges and agreed to testify in other prosecutions.
Judge Beeson therefore halved the penalty she was considering. She also fined Yuen $250,000.
Brothel operator Ha Sau-wing, 46, who collected $960,000 from seven brothels, including his Kai Hing villa, for Yuen and other police officers, was sentenced to two years and three months in jail.
The pair would help the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in other investigations. They would not go to prison immediately but remain in ICAC custody.
Thirteen police officers, including a chief inspector, an inspector and two sergeants from Wong Tai Sin police district, were also under scrutiny pending legal advice.