Computer technician who leaked Edison Chen's sex photos found guilty, faces jail time
By Channel NewsAsia's Hong Kong Bureau Chief Roland Lim | Posted: 29 April 2009 1547 hrs

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HONG KONG : In Hong Kong, a computer technician who leaked sex pictures of disgraced pop idol Edison Chen with female stars, has been found guilty, and faces a maximum of five years in jail. Sentencing will take place on May 13.

The celebrity sex photo case was the biggest scandal to hit Hong Kong's entertainment scene last year.

24-year-old Sze Ho Chun appeared in Kowloon City's magistracy on Wednesday, and was found guilty of stealing, copying and distributing about 1,300 photos showing actor Chen having sex with at least half a dozen women, including several Hong Kong starlets.

In his defence, Sze's lawyer said that his client was being made a scapegoat by those hiding their involvement in the case. In particular, fellow co-worker Chris Tse and shop owner Terry Ip were both accused of being untruthful witnesses.

But Chief Magistrate Tong Man was satisfied with the evidence put forward by prosecutors, adding that jail time was inevitable, in view of the serious breach of trust.

The lewd images that Sze stole became widely circulated on the Web in late January last year, and he was arrested by police in February.

Chen was forced to quit showbiz and fled the country, going into self-exile in Canada.

Female celebrities including Canto-pop star Gillian Chung, actress Cecilia Cheung and singer Bobo Chan have also been keeping a low profile. - CNA /ls