Former assistant teacher convicted over concealed ICAC probe
Bastillepost · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A former assistant teacher at Lutheran School for the Deaf was convicted at West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on three fraud charges after trial over concealing that he was under ICAC criminal investigation and later prosecution while employed by the school. Sentencing was adjourned to September 15 for a community service order report, and the defendant was allowed to remain on bail pending sentence.
Key Points
- Defendant Yau Sing-ho, 31, was accused of withholding from Lutheran School for the Deaf that he was under ICAC investigation and criminal prosecution while teaching there from July 29, 2022 to December 3, 2023.
- Magistrate Sze Cho-yiu rejected Yau’s evidence that ICAC investigators had warned him not to disclose the probe, calling that account contrary to common sense and describing his conduct as outright deception.
- The court found Yau should have declined the contract if he believed he could not meet disclosure requirements, rather than sign, accept appointment and continue serving while keeping silent.
- The school is a government-aided special school, and Education Bureau rules require teachers applying for posts to declare any ongoing criminal investigations or proceedings to protect professional standards and student welfare
- Agreed facts showed Yau was arrested by the ICAC in September 2021, renewed bail several times, was hired as a contract teacher in July 2022, became a regular teacher in August 2023, and was charged in November 2023.
Why It Matters
The ruling means the court accepted that non-disclosure deprived the school of the chance to suspend him, begin disciplinary action, refuse appointment or terminate employment. The case is also likely to draw attention to how schools enforce disclosure obligations for teachers, especially in aided and special-school settings