Duty not to accept benefits from third parties (s.176)

A director of a company that is seeking a major new client is offered, by a third party hoping to influence the award of a sub-contract, the free use of a luxury holiday villa for two weeks. The third party makes clear that the gift is provided because of the director's position and his ability to steer the company's choice of sub-contractor. The villa has a market rental value of several thousand pounds. The director accepts the use of the villa and does not disclose it. He later says the gift was a personal kindness and unconnected with his duties.