Ex-CNB chief Ng Boon Gay acquitted of corruption

After a 15 day trial spanning four a half months, Former Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) chief Ng Boon Gay has been found not guilty of corruption in a high-profile sex-for-contracts court case.

District Judge Siva Shanmugam gave Mr Ng an acquittal amounting to a discharge, saying there was no corrupt element involved.

In a 32-page oral judgement, District Judge Siva Shanmugam said he did not find that Ms Sue offered oral sex as an inducement. 

He added that he did not find Cecelia Sue "as someone who could easily be taken advantage of".

He also said that he found all four counts of oral sex 'innocuous'.

He added that Mr Ng did not have an ulterior or corrupt motive, and that the four counts of oral sex occurred in the context of their relationship.

Judge Shanmugam found Mr Ng's evidence to be consistent and credible.

On the other hand, it was the opposite for Ms Sue.

Judge Shanmugam said her explanations on inconsistencies in her statements to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) and evidence in court were inadequate and unconvincing.

As the judge delivered his verdict, the courtroom filled with Mr Ng's supporters broke out in applause and his wife burst into tears.  

Defense counsel Mr Tan Chee Meng, told reporters that they're extremely happy with the outcome:

"What's most important is that this verdict is a vindication of Ng Boon Gay. The fact that he is not corrupt and his innocence has been proven. They have been through a rough year. There are internal proceedings that is happening which would have to be dealt with. And i think boon gay has asked me to express his heartfelt thanks to friends, families and even strangers along the road who gave him support."

He added that it was "very nice to get an acquittal on Valentine's Day".

46-year-old Mr Ng was charged in June last year with four counts of obtaining sexual favours from 36-year-old Cecilia Sue, who was a sales manager for two IT vendors, in exchange for furthering the business interests of the two IT companies in their dealings with the CNB.