A TOP Singapore law firm, Rajah & Tann has expressed 'great happiness and relief' after one of its partner was given a suspended sentence in a Hong Kong court.

An arbitration lawyer, Choy Chee Yean, 40, had pleaded guilty on Monday to stealing from a Novotel Citygate Hotel room in the territory.

Choy, who earns about $700,000 a year, had stolen items worth $1,650 from the unlocked room because he was under stress. The electronic items - a cellphone, a personal digital assistant and a Bluetooth earpiece - belonged to another hotel guest.

He was given a suspended 12-month jail term on Tuesday by a district court in Hong Kong, which means he will not have to go to jail.

But if he commits another offence during that one year, then he may have to serve out the sentence for the original offence.

Rajah & Tann added: 'Two eminent Hong Kong psychiatrists gave independent medical opinions that he had been suffering from clinical depression for some time.'

Choy had suffered a major depressive episode just before he committed the offence, it said.

His lawyer, Senior Counsel Andrew Bruce, told the court that Choy was under great stress on the day of the theft and that 'his crime was a cry for help'.

He said Choy was in a weak state of mind, caused by an unhappy marriage and a daughter who had developed dyslexia.

Choy was upset when a client failed to appear for a meeting since he was expected to collect a payment for his firm. Rajah & Tann added: 'In keeping with Chee Yean's integrity and upright character, he chose to take responsibility for his action.'

'He sought psychiatric help, commenced treatment and decided not to contest the case on any grounds but to place himself at the mercy of the court.'

District Judge Patrick Li called the case 'exceptional' and ruled that Choy was not fully aware of the consequences of his conduct.

The judge noted that Choy had a good background: He has a high professional standing and had been of impeccable character before the incident. He added: 'It does not pay him to take such a great risk and gain so little.'

Many of Choy's colleagues, friends and fellow church members had also submitted to the court their testimonies of his good character.

In a show of support, at least eight partners, including Senior Counsel Quentin Loh, from Rajah & Tann went to Hong Kong for the court hearing.

Choy, a father of two girls aged seven and nine, will return to Singapore in a few days' time when he gets his passport from the Hong Kong police.