Tey Tsun Hang
26 September 2012. High Court Judge Quentin Loh yesterday ordered that the trial of National University of Singapore (NUS) Law Professor Tey Tsun Hang at the Subordinate Courts “shall not start earlier than mid-December” this year. Tay,41, a former District Judge faces six corruption charges for allegedly showing favour to his former student, Ms Darinne Ko Wen Hui, between May and July 2010. Justice Loh also dismissed Tey’s applications to obtain further information from the university and the prosecution. Tey’s lawyer, Mr Peter Low, had on Monday requested for the grades of Ms Ko and four former NUS students, arguing that their grades were relevant as Tey was allegedly coerced into signing confessions to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) that he corruptly obtained gifts in exchange for unjustified favourable grades. Justice Loh also dismissed Tey’s applications to obtain further information from the university and the prosecution on grounds that certain classes of documents require redaction of names to preserve student confidentiality. A court order would be required as these documents fall under certain confidentiality and privacy constraints, noted Justice Loh. Although he felt Tey did not meet the tests set out under the English Common Law, Justice Loh said Tey is free to make his application before the trial judge where different considerations may apply. On a criminal motion filed against Alexandra Hospital, in which Mr Low had sought more information on the tests and examinations conducted on Tey, the High Court Judge made no order stating that as Tay was seeking information on his own illness, the hospital would not deny such information. Addressing reporters outside the High Court yesterday, Tey said he was “hugely disappointed” with the court’s decision. He added that he shall continue to seek “every legal means” to prepare for his defence and is seeking legal advice for an appeal.
