Mother Arrested After Girl Found Home Alone in Lai Tsui Court
HK01 · 8 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A suspected child abuse case in Cheung Sha Wan came to light on Sunday morning after a 69-year-old grandfather found his 10-year-old granddaughter alone in a flat at Lai Tsui Court and called police. The girl was later taken by ambulance to Caritas Medical Centre for examination, while her 43-year-old mother was arrested on suspicion of ill-treatment or neglect of a child or young person. Several outlets reported that investigators were told the girl had been physically punished on November 5 after allegedly breaking a piggy bank and taking money to buy snacks. The case has been assigned to Sham Shui Po district crime squad Team 6 for follow-up.
Key Points
- Police received the report at about 10:27am to 10:30am on Sunday after the girl’s 69-year-old grandfather went to the Lai Pak House flat.
- The grandfather had planned to take the 10-year-old girl out for breakfast, but found no adult at home and suspected she had been left alone overnight.
- According to reports citing case details, the mother allegedly slapped the girl’s left cheek, hit her abdomen and struck her lower legs with a clothes hanger.
- The alleged assault was said to have happened on the evening of November 5 after the mother discovered the girl had broken a piggy bank and taken coins to buy snacks.
- The girl was said to have complained of pain but had no visible external injuries when she was sent to Caritas Medical Centre with her grandfather.
Why It Matters
The case draws attention to two child-protection concerns at once: suspected physical punishment inside the home and a young child allegedly being left unattended overnight. For Hong Kong families, it is also a reminder that police may investigate under the offence of ill-treatment or neglect of a child or young person, which HK01 said carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment upon conviction