A government official in Jiangsu province stood trial on Wednesday for embezzling public funds to buy personal items, including food.

Liu Yongyuan, former director of the Jianye district work safety bureau in Nanjing, charged with embezzling 150,000 yuan ($24,180), Modern Express reported.

The prosecutors claimed Liu used public money to buy vegetables, shoes and cookers from a supermarket for his family.

Liu told the court he also spent public funds to buy televisions and refrigerators for the bureau's drivers who had moved into new houses. He also purchased an electric bicycle using public funds that he sent to his father-in-law.

Liu said he regretted his illegal activities and expected a light punishment because he is ill.

The court did not issue a verdict on Wednesday.