Independent Commission Against Corruption senior investigator Susana Chan, 43, has been jailed 15 months by the District Court for obtaining sick leave by deceit.

Deputy Judge Yau Chi-lap imposed the sentence after Chan pleaded guilty to four counts of an agent using a document with intent to deceive.

In sentencing, the judge said as an ICAC senior investigator, Chan is expected to display a high degree of integrity and honesty. Her offences constituted a breach of trust, and it was a pre-planned plot to deceive.

The ICAC said the court's ruling vindicated its action in carrying out an internal investigation.

Surveillance operation

The court heard that since October 28, 2002, Chan has submitted sick leave certificates, claiming she was unfit to work due to back injury.

On November 28, 2002, a surveillance operation on Chan found she was conducting herself in a normal fashion - walking, meeting with friends, dining in restaurants, and driving.

Between October 28, 2002, and December 3, 2003, Chan had submitted 20 certificates, and the ICAC granted her 402 days sick leave.