Michael Tse & Angela Tong in Court for Drunk Driving

Last year, Michael Tse Tin Wah was caught driving under the influence of alcohol. His car hit the rear bumper of a taxi. Earlier, Michael admitted to drunk driving and driving irresponsibly. Yesterday, Michael and his wife, Tina, appeared in court to receive the sentence for his violation.

Originally, Michael intended to serve community service as part of his sentence. However, due to his filming schedule for TVB, he was concerned that he will not be available to fulfill the community service requirement.

The judge insisted that Michael will not be served a light sentence due to his celebrity status. He pointed out that Michael has had traffic violations almost every year since 2000. He was sentenced to imprisonment for six weeks but with a one year suspended sentence. In addition, Michael has to pay a fine of $9,500 (HKD) and his driving license will be suspended for 18 months.

Born Tse Hing Wah, the 41 year-old Michael felt regret for his DUI offense and wanted to provide community service. TVB was also willing to accommodate him, but his work schedule will not allow him to fully complete his community service requirements. Michael’s lawyer also pointed out that since Michael was a public figure, the case was widely reported. Michael’s court hearing was attended by more than 20 journalists, waiting for the outcome of the case. There was much pressure placed on him.

Michael obtained his driving license in 1993. Three years later in 1996, Michael fined and suspended for reckless driving. It remained as his only criminal case. In 2000 and 2006, he was pulled over for speeding but was only issued ticket fines. In addition, Michael’s lawyer presented two letters from the Kwong Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and a Pastor, both referring to Michael’s enthusiastic volunteer work in Cambodia to visit poverty-stricken homes.

On December 6, 2008 at 6 AM, Michael crashed into the rear of a taxi while making a sudden cut on the road. Pulling over at the Happy Valley Racecourse, Michael failed the police officer’s breathalyzer test. He admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol.

After the court adjourned, Michael and his wife, Tina, were intercepted by reporters. Michael lingered around for one hour and was very cooperative in allowing his pictures taken. But he shook his head in refusing to comment about his verdict.

Returning to the TVB studio, Michael appeared on “The Scoop” for an interview, to prevent media speculations over his case. Regarding his drunken driving sentence, Michael that he learned his lesson and the seriousness of drunk driving and how it affects other people. “I understand that it was my mistake. My case caused my friends, family, and colleagues worry. Many thanks to my friends who were concerned about me in the past two weeks, the SMS text messages and TVB’s understanding.”

Michael admitted relief that the case came to an end. “I am not going to celebrate; the matter is not worthy of celebration. Afterwards, I will return home and not go outside.”

Next Monday, Michael will attend the costume fitting for new TVB series, 《老公萬歲》 “The Pride of My Husband.” Since his driver’s license will be suspended for 18 months, this will be inconvenient commuting to work. Michael said he had to bear the effects of his misconduct. He will consider hiring a chauffeur.

Angela Tong Ying Ying will be in court next week for driving under the influence of alcohol and injuring another driver. Did Michael have anything he wanted to say to Angela? When he was about to respond, Michael’s wife pulled him away.

Michael Tse was fortunate that he was not imprisoned for his DUI violation. Currently filming “Walking the Dead” in Zhejiang, China, Angela Tong’s manager said that she could not be reached for comment on her upcoming court hearing.

Source: Singtao, Tom.com

Jayne: Michael seems to have a poor traffic record. Alcohol and late night drinking go hand in hand in the entertainment industry. Doubt this will be his last traffic violation.