Jewelry tycoon Tse Sui-luen paid commissions to travel agents for the interest of his company and the jewelry industry at large, his lawyer told Wanchai District Court yesterday.

The lawyers of Tse, his son Tommy Tse Tat-fung and three senior staff of Tse Sui Luen Jewellery (International) (TSL) pleaded for leniency from District Court Judge Kevin Browne.

The five defendants were found guilty of conspiracy to offer advantages to travel agents on April 24.

They were convicted of offering commissions to travel agents so that they would bring tourists to the company's stores.

It is estimated that the commissions added up to HK$70 million between 1996 and 2005.

At the District Court yesterday, Tse's lawyer pleaded that Tse's action was "not for his own benefit".

He paid the commissions for the interest of his company and the jewelry business in Hong Kong, the lawyer said.

The lawyer also appealed for a lenient sentence citing that Tse is a good father and a philanthropist.

Tse's eldest son and two daughters speak highly of their father in their letters to the judge.

Reputable persons in the community like international kungfu star Jacky Chan, Hutchison Whampoa's managing director Canning Fok Kin-ning and Executive Council member Leung Chi-hung also asked for leniency from the judge, the lawyer said.

Chan says in a letter that Tse has remarkable accomplishments for the jewelry industry and contributions to Hong Kong's economy.

Tse has built an empire despite his limited education background and resources, according to Chan who says he has high respect for Tse.

Fok pleads in a letter that Tse is a kindhearted, responsible and generous person.

Tse's lawyer also quoted from Tse's doctor that he has been suffering from heart problems and anxiety.

"His doctor is afraid that Tse might die in prison given his medical conditions," the lawyer said.

Tommy Tse's lawyer also pleaded for leniency, saying the young Tse took over the company during financial difficulties and has successfully led the company through a crisis over recent years.

The lawyer also pleaded that the practice of paying commissions to travel agents has been in place for a long time.

The lawyer added that 1,700 employees of TSL supported Tse by signing a petition.

Judge Browne will consider the letters and deliver the sentences on Friday.

Tse Sui-luen founded TSL in 1971. He went bankrupt in 2000, and his son took over the jewelry business in 2002.

(HK Edition 05/07/2008 page1)