An Electrical & Mechanical Services Department senior officer and an engineering firm assistant manager have each been jailed eight months by the District Court for misconduct and bribery.

Liu Tat-shing, 45, was found guilty of misconduct in public office and conspiracy to offer advantages to a prescribed officer, while Lo Siu-tung, 30, of Meco Services was convicted of aiding and abetting Liu.

Both were also found guilty of conspiracy to offer advantages to a public servant, and conspiracy to furnish false information.

The court heard that in November 2002, Meco Engineering, the mother company of Meco Services, was awarded an $8.5 million contract to replace and maintain air-conditioning at various Government properties. Meco had to provide a vehicle and a chauffeur for department staff.

Liu was tasked to supervise the works under the contract, while Lo was Meco's representative.

Between November 2002 and March last year, Liu instructed the chauffeur to take him and his girlfriends to meals or karaoke after work at least 39 times, and to drive them home.

Lo was present most occasions to settle the bills for the meals and karaoke. Lo then claimed reimbursement for the expenses incurred, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 on each occasion, from Meco.

To conceal the unauthorised excursions, Liu allowed the chauffeur to make false entries in his overtime record, claiming over $30,000 from Meco between January 2003 and February last year. Approved by Liu and endorsed by Lo.

The court also heard in July 2003, Liu went on a package tour to Spain, France and Switzerland. Liu claimed he paid a $3,000 deposit, while the rest of the payment of the package tour as well as expenses incurred by Liu during the trip was borne by Lo and a subcontractor of Meco.