A former Asian Games rowing star has been found guilty of trying to extort HK$3 million from her elderly 'sugar daddy' by threatening to send a tape of them having sex to the media.
Gloria Chan Hok-yan, 27, denied blackmail at the District Court but was convicted yesterday of sending a letter to her 72-year-old businessman lover demanding the cash. The tape did not exist, the court heard.
Announcing the verdict, Deputy District Judge Johnny Chan Jong-herng described Chan's testimony as 'incredible'. But he also criticised the blackmail victim, identified only as 'X', for being reluctant to testify and concealing his 'pro-active role' in his intimate relationship with Chan.
The court heard that the businessman got to know Chan when she worked as a receptionist at a Chinese restaurant he frequented.
He showed affection towards Chan, wrote her a love note and gave her big tips. He later asked her to work at his company as a shipping clerk for HK$10,000 a month.
The court heard that over a period of five years, the man also gave Chan HK$300,000. Chan left his company after she found out she was pregnant by her 29-year-old boyfriend, who she married soon after.
