A former official involved in a sex scandal denied a charge of bribery during a second hearing on Friday at Chongqing High People's Court.

Lei Zhengfu, 55, former Party chief of Beibei district, was convicted of taking 3.16 million yuan ($516,400) in bribes in the first trial on June 28. Lei appealed to the higher court on July 3.

Lei was sentenced to 13 years in prison in the first trial.