AN ASSOCIATE professor at a China university was placed on 12 months' probation on Monday for theft of women's undergarments.

Lee Wing Foon, 39, pleaded guilty in February to three counts of stealing brassieres and panties from three students at Nanyang Technological University on Dec 20 last year.

The value of the stolen items was $153.

Lee, who is suffering from fetishism, a sexual disorder, was caught at around 9.40pm that day when an NTU security officer saw him loitering at a hall of residence carrying a black bag.

He was detained and taken to the security post where his bag was found to contain two bras and a panty belonging to a 21-year-old student.

He had earlier stolen clothings and undergarments from the same hall when he drove there. He then placed the two 19-year-olds' bras and panties in a plastic bag in his car.

Community Court Judge James Leong had called for a pre-sentence report which recommended probation for Lee.

His lawyer, Mr Jose Charles, had earlier tendered a psychiatric report which said Lee had committed the offences as a result of his urges, work and marital stress.

Under the probation order, Lee cannot leave the country for work beyond seven days on each occasion without first getting the permission of his probation officer.

He has to attend psychiatric treatment and follow-up regularly, as well as specific treatment programme to address his condition.

Lee had told the court that he was still doing work in China and would consult the probation officer if he was needed over there.

Judge Leong said it was imperative that he undergo the period of probation without any problem. If he breaches his probation, he would be brought back to court to be sentenced for the original offences.

Lee thanked the judge after the probation order.

Two charges of fraudulently having a total of 544 pieces of underwear and apparel believed to have been stolen were considered during his sentencing.

He could have been jailed for up to three years or fined, or both, for each charge of theft.