Hong Kong coach avoids charges over camp abuse case
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 5 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A coach accused of mistreating an eight-year-old boy during a Hong Kong training camp has avoided criminal prosecution after accepting a three-year good behaviour bond. Zhao Yiqun, 51, had faced two child abuse-related charges over allegations that she slapped the boy and made him stand under the sun at Jockey Club Ming Fai Camp on Cheung Chau on August 8, 2024. The arrangement was presented at Eastern Court on Wednesday, where Chief Magistrate Victor So Wai-tak imposed the bind-over order after the defence said the parties had reached an agreement and the Department of Justice would not continue the prosecution. Zhao accepted the order, under which she must avoid similar criminal conduct for three years or risk paying HK$2,000 and facing a heavier penalty
Key Points
- Chief Magistrate Victor So Wai-tak imposed a three-year good behaviour bond on Zhao Yiqun, 51, at Eastern Court on Wednesday
- Zhao had originally been due to enter pleas to two charges involving alleged child ill-treatment or neglect and assault of a minor
- The allegations stemmed from a training programme at Jockey Club Ming Fai Camp on Cheung Chau on August 8, 2024
- Earlier reporting said Zhao allegedly made the boy stand in 31°C heat for 15 to 25 minutes and slapped his right cheek
- The boy told his mother about the incident after returning home, and Zhao later accepted a HK$2,000 recognisance condition
Why It Matters
The outcome means a case involving alleged mistreatment of a child in a supervised camp setting ended without a criminal trial, even though formal charges had been brought. For Hong Kong parents and camp operators, the decision draws attention to how child protection complaints can be resolved through bind-over orders rather than prosecution, and to the behavioural conditions attached to such arrangements