Businessman 'groped' taxi drivers

2008-04-09 09:13

Hong Kong - A high-profile Hong Kong businessman was on trial on Wednesday, accused of molesting male taxi drivers as they drove him home after nights out.

Stephen Gan Fock-wai, known as the Prince of White Flower Oil, is accused of feeling the taxi drivers' thighs and private parts as he sat in the front seat next to them while they drove him home.

Gan, 46, who sang hit songs that were aired with advertisements for his company's popular health products, was arrested after allegedly groping a 34-year-old taxi driver last year.

Another driver, 37, came forward to complain of a similar assault in 2003 after publicity over Gan's arrest and said Gan offered him HK$2 000 (R2 000) to have sex with him.

Gan, chief executive of Pak Fah Yeow International (White Flower Oil International), denies two counts of indecent assault, claiming the driver in 2007 consented to his advances and that he has no recollection of the 2003 incident.

The trial in Hong Kong's Eastern Court was expected to last several days. - Sapa-dpa

- SAPA