************************************************
A Mainland woman was charged with one count of making false representation to an immigration officer at the Sha Tin Magistrates' Courts and was sentenced to 20 months' imprisonment today (July 16).
The 34-year-old defendant arrived in Hong Kong as a visitor and she went to an Accident and Emergency Department for delivery without prior booking. Investigation revealed that the defendant was asked by an immigration staff member about her pregnancy status upon arrival clearance at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and she claimed she was not pregnant. The defendant was subsequently charged with one count of making false representation to immigration staff on her pregnancy status. The defendant was convicted after trial and sentenced to 20 months' imprisonment today.
"Under the laws of Hong Kong, any person who makes false representation to an immigration officer commits an offence. Offenders are liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, subject to the maximum penalty of a fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years," an Immigration Department spokesman said.
Ends/Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:53
NNNN
