Hong Kong kindergarten principal in designer gifts scandal cleared of graft charges
Prosecution alleged that mother gave garments in return for preferential treatment for son, but magistrate said there was no evidence of bribery
A kindergarten principal who accepted HK$6,500 of designer clothes from a pupil's mother was cleared of corruption charges yesterday, as the court found no evidence to show it amounted to bribery.
The prosecution had argued that Li Ling-sau, 44, principal of Victoria (Harbour Green) Kindergarten, accepted a designer scarf and jacket from parent Wong Wing, which allegedly resulted in Wong's son receiving special treatment.
Kowloon City Court heard that the boy was allowed to have an "exclusive" birthday party at the school - while the rest of the pupils celebrated birthdays in monthly groups. And he was allegedly able to "jump the queue" for the school's five-day pre-nursery class. The son was originally in a two-day class.
Magistrate Chu Chung-keung yesterday cleared Li of the charges of accepting advantages and one count of inciting others to accept an advantage.
The court was told Li accepted a Moiselle jacket worth HK$5,100 and a HK$1,498 Bally scarf between December 2012 and May 2013.