A 49-year-old Chinese University reader has been found guilty of using false documents to get $860,000 in Private Tenancy Allowances.

Lau Ming-chu was sentenced to six months' prison, suspended for two years, after the verdict today. She was also ordered to repay the university $260,000, which was the difference of the amount she would be otherwise entitled to under the Home Purchase Scheme.

In sentencing, Judge Peter Line said the offences were serious, but in view of her contribution to society, a suspended sentence was imposed.

The District Court heard that at the time of the offences Lau was a senior lecturer. She used two applications for the allowance, respectively on June 21, 1996 and June 22, 1998, in relation to a leased accommodation in Hong Lok Yuen, Tai Po, which contained a false, erroneous or defective statement, with intent to deceive the university.

The false statement claimed the leased property was not owned by herself or her spouse, and that neither she, her spouse or any of her spouse's family had a financial interest in it.