A Taiwanese appeals court has thrown out the corruption conviction against former Kinmen County councilor Chen Tsang-chiang, a win for him but still a criminal conviction and jail time.

• The Kinmen branch of the Fujian High Court ruled Chen did not commit fraud by abusing his office, overturning the lower court.
• Chen had listed a relative as a publicly funded assistant while the money actually paid his son, who worked as his private assistant.
• Because none of the money went to Chen himself, the court said the corruption charge did not fit.
• He was convicted instead of getting a public official to record false information — two counts, six months each.
• Chen, his son, and the relative asked for suspended sentences and were refused, since the conduct went on for a long time.

Outlook: Chen says he will decide on a further appeal after reviewing the written ruling with his lawyer.