City Harvest's Kong Hee to appeal conviction and sentence
City Harvest Church founder Kong Hee will appeal his conviction and sentence, he announced in a Facebook post on Nov 27, noting points that were "erroneous and warrant appeal" in both cases and setting the stage for a case that has already seen five and a half years of investigation and court trial to continue.
Kong was among six City Harvest Church officials found guilty of misusing church funds last month and sentenced last Friday. Judge See Kee Oon handed out the heaviest sentence to Kong, who held the post of deputy senior pastor.
Chew Eng Han, John Lam, Sharon Tan, Tan Ye Peng and Serina Wee were also convicted in the case that involved a breach of trust in using S$24 million in church funds illegally and then another S$26.6 million to cover it up in a bid to boost the pop music career of Kong’s wife, Sun Ho, in the US.
Former finance manager Sharon Tan got the lightest sentence of 21 months in jail.
Ex-finance committee member Lam was sentenced to three years in jail, former finance manager Wee to five years, deputy pastor Tan Ye Peng to five years and six months, and former CHC fund manager Chew to six years.
The start of the jail terms was slated for 11 January next year. Kong's statement on Facebook, in part below, also noted that the sentencing handed out was also being contested by prosecutors seeking longer terms.
"After the sentencing last Friday, I have had a week to carefully consider the sentence and have also studied the Court’s grounds of conviction together with my lawyers. Whilst I respect the Court’s decision, there are points which appear to be erroneous and warrant appeal. I will therefore be preparing to file an appeal against both my conviction and sentence," Kong wrote.
"Earlier today, I was informed that the Prosecution has also filed an appeal against the sentence imposed by the Court. My lawyers will also address the Prosecution’s appeal at the appropriate time. I sincerely need your prayers during this process for a favorable outcome. The road ahead is long and arduous, but God’s grace is sufficient for me. I love and appreciate you so much. Thank you for loving me and my family."
After the sentence, Kong said he was "saddened" by the length and had hinted at an appeal.
