But judge dismisses 'far-fetched' claim services were a friend's gift, not corruption
The former head of the Narcotics Bureau yesterday failed to have his conviction for accepting free sex from prostitutes overturned.
But the Court of Appeal bench shaved one year off the three-year sentence of former senior superintendent Sin Kam-wah, 46, after they found it was too high.
Chief Judge of the High Court, Mr Justice Geoffrey Ma Tao-li, said District Court Judge John Saunders was right to take into account Sin's high ranking when sentencing him.
'The element of corruption in the offences, when seen together with high rank, dictated that a substantial custodial sentence was appropriate,'' he said.
Mr Justice Ma said the court heard of Sin's 'impeccable service record'' which included three Commanding Officers' commendations.