Michael Shaw, a customs officer assigned to the Norman Manley International Airport, was sentenced in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday. He is to serve to eight months at hard labour for two counts of breaching the Corruption Prevention Act.

Allegations are that on February 24 last year, Shaw, while on duty at the airport, encountered an arriving passenger with cash exceeding the amount allowed for entry into the country. He confiscated the sum of US$16,000 and reported the matter to his supervisor. The supervisor interviewed the passenger, and it was revealed that the funds were legally obtained.

Shaw was instructed by his supervisor to return the money, which he did. Following this, he solicited and received a sum of US$2,000 from the passenger. A report was made to the anti-corruption branch and an investigation launched. Subsequently, a file was prepared and sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who ruled that he be charged.

His eight-month sentence at hard labour will run concurrently. Shaw's defence team has indicated their intention to appeal both conviction and sentencing. His bail was set at $400,000 and a stop order placed on him. Investigations are ongoing.