I 'liked' NUS law professor 'as a friend' at that time: Ex-student

The National University of Singapore law student at the centre of the sex-for-grades corruption trial was the first witness who took to the stand this morning. 

The TODAY newspaper reported that Ms Darrine Ko told the court that she knew law don, Associate Professor Tey Tsun Hang, well. 

This was the reason why she bought a Mont Blanc pen worth 740 dollars and gave it to Associate Professor Tey. 

She said that it was a "belated birthday present" and she "liked" Mr Tey "as a friend" during that time. 

Associate Professor Tey, a former District Judge, has been charged with six counts of obtaining gratification from his student between May and June 2010. 

As his trial began this morning, the 41 year old sought to conduct his own defence. 

But Chief District Judge Tan Siong Thye rejected this. 

Instead, the judge ordered defence counsel Peter Low to assist Associate Professor Tey in the trial, but not conduct the cross-examinations.