*****************************************************
A Hong Kong resident who acted as a check-in facilitator for a Mainland visitor was jailed for eight months after appearing at Sha Tin Magistrate's court today (March 23).
The 51-year-old male defendant, Yan Wing-fu, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to obtain services by deception.
A Mainlander who intended to board a flight for Canada in September last year was found using a forged Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport, a Hong Kong identity card and a boarding pass in the name of Yan. The Mainland resident was earlier sentenced to 10 months' jail.
The HKSAR passport and Hong Kong identity card were confirmed as forgeries after forensic examination.
Yan was subsequently located for investigation and initially denied his involvement in the scam.
Under the Theft Ordinance, people who, by any deception, dishonestly obtain services from another shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable, upon conviction, to imprisonment for 10 years.
Ends/Friday, March 23, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:08
NNNN