The court is considering one count of misconduct in public office against the former official. File photo: RTHKThe District Court on Monday refused to accept as evidence recordings from a government internal probe against a top marine official facing criminal charges over the Lamma Island ferry disaster.
Assistant marine director So Ping-chi is facing one count of misconduct in public office for allegedly ordering subordinates to temporarily ignore a law that ensures there were enough life jackets on vessels.
During the government internal probe, So had admitted to making the order. He had earlier testified that he would've kept silent in those investigations had he known his remarks would be used in criminal proceedings against him.
The judge ruled on Monday that it is unfair to the defendant to accept the probe findings as evidence.
The case has been adjourned to Tuesday on the defence's request, for translating documents.
The ferry accident on the national day in 2012 claimed 39 lives.
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1255097-20160418.htm
