A Housing Department officer has been jailed six months by Kowloon City Magistracy for fabricating graft reports against her superior.

Chau Wai-yee, 44, was found guilty on two counts of making a false report to Independent Commission Against Corruption officers. Magistrate Douglas Yau said an immediate custodial sentence must be imposed to serve as a deterrent, in view of the serious offences.

The court heard Chau was posted at the Registration & Civil Service Unit, headed by a Housing Manager. On October 5, 2004, Chau lodged a complaint alleging the manager solicited from her $11,000 to ensure an inquiry into her handling of a matter involving the issuing of a false minute sheet would be resolved in her favour.

On November 9, 2004, Chau lodged another report alleging the manager solicited from her an advantage of an unspecified amount as reward for not opposing her application for departmental training sponsorship. Both reports were found to be false.

The ICAC said making malicious corruption complaints against innocent people is a serious offence. However, complainants acting in good faith are not subject to prosecution, even if the complaints turned out to be unsubstantiated. People who genuinely suspect corrupt activities are encouraged to report it.