Former head of Singapore's drugs police cleared of corruption
One of the most senior public officials tried in city state for corruption had been accused of demanding sex from a woman seeking contracts
A former head of Singapore's drugs police was cleared of corruption yesterday after a court rejected charges that he demanded oral sex from a contractor to help her win government deals.
Ng Boon Gay, former director of the Central Narcotics Bureau, was accused of giving confidential information to a technology supplier who testified for the prosecution but whose statements were found to be inconsistent and unreliable.
Ng and former civil defence chief Peter Lim, both charged with obtaining sex from women seeking contracts at their agencies, were Singapore's most senior officials accused of corruption since 1995 when they were dismissed last year.
Lim, whose trial is scheduled to start on Monday, denies the charges.
"I am satisfied that the prosecution has failed to hold a case against you beyond reasonable doubt," District Court Judge Siva Shanmugam told Ng after a trial that captivated Singaporeans with its lurid details.
Supporters of Ng, 46, applauded the verdict. His wife leaned her head on a relative's shoulder and wiped tears from her eyes.
Ng's lawyer, Tan Chee Meng, said that they were extremely happy with the outcome. Ng said: "It's very nice to get acquitted on Valentine's Day."
