Student in UK jailed for attempting bribe

One year behind bars for man, who also carried loaded air pistol

A Chinese student who tried to bribe his professor while carrying a loaded air pistol has received a 12-month jail sentence in the United Kingdom.

Li Yang, 26, an innovation and technology management masters student at the University of Bath, had arranged the meeting with his professor on Nov 23 last year.

On Tuesday, Bristol Crown Court heard that Li placed 5,000 pounds ($7,630) in cash on the professor's table, but when he was told to leave, the gun fell from his pocket.

According to the sentence file, which was provided to China Daily by the court, the judge, Michael Longman, told Li that the weapon caused fear and alarm to the professor.

"You attempted to persuade a university professor to behave in such a way that if it had been successful you would have undermined the integrity of the universities in the UK and the legitimacy of degrees from universities here, the University of Bath in particular," Longman said.

"Your bid to achieve a pass mark by offering what was a bribe to your professor was ill-conceived to the point of being a spectacular mistake and one which was doomed to fail from the start."

The likely release date for Li, who has already been in custody, is Oct 20.

Li, who admitted bribery and possessing an imitation firearm, was also ordered to pay 4,880 pounds in costs.

A spokesperson for the University of Bath confirmed the case with China Daily.

"The student involved was immediately suspended from his studies following this incident and now with the criminal proceedings complete his position as a student here will be resolved through the university's disciplinary procedure," said the spokesperson.

"We have provided support and advice to those staff and students affected by this incident and have worked closely with Avon and Somerset Police and the other authorities involved in the case."