Former Hong Kong leader jailed 20-months for corruption

A High Court Judge in Hong Kong has sentenced former leader Donald Tsang, 72, to 20 months in prison for corruption.

He was accused of failing to disclose plans to rent a luxury apartment for his retirement from a businessman applying for a broadcasting license.

While delivering his judgement, Andrew Chan, said it was a stunning downfall for Tsang, 72, who served as Hong Kong’s leader, or chief executive, from 2005 to 2012 as he becomes Hong Kong’s highest ranking official to be jailed in a country that prides itself of a reputation of clean governance.

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“Never in my judicial career have I seen a man fallen from such a height,” Chan said as he handed down the sentence in a Hong Kong court.

“However, it is not in dispute that the defendant has dedicated himself to public service for the past 40 years”, he added.

The trial of Tsang saw him escape a conviction of bribery in a court case that found him guilty of misconduct during his time at the helm of the city even as residents are beginning to lose confidence in the leaders of Hong Kong.

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