A former administrative assistant of a university, charged by the ICAC, was today (Wednesday) sentenced to 22 months' imprisonment at the District Court for misconduct by misappropriating over $3 million worth of goods and cash with two corporate credit cards.

The defendant, 42, earlier pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct in public office.

In sentencing, Judge Joseph Yau Chi-lap said the defendant's acts constituted a serious breach of trust.

The judge added that the starting point of four years was reduced to 22 months, taking into account various factors, including the defendant's guilty plea, her clear record and substantial amount of repayment.

The case arose from a corruption complaint. Subsequent ICAC enquiries revealed the misconduct offence.

The court heard that in 1995, the university set up a training centre at a hospital.

At the time of the offence, the defendant was responsible for the administration of the centre, which provided training to all surgical specialists, medical students, interns, nurses and doctors.

In January 2001, the centre applied to a bank for two corporate credit cards for settling official expenses incurred.

The court heard that between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2006, the defendant, without authorisation, had used the corporate credit cards to make purchases of goods and services and withdraw cash advances, amounting to over $3 million, for her personal and private purposes.

Subsequently, about $2.8 million was repaid to the centre. In December 2007, she resigned from the university, the court was told.

The prosecution was today represented by Senior Public Prosecutor Richard Ma, assisted by ICAC officer Zoe Lau.