Hsu Yee Mon Jailed for Slapping 1-Year-Old During Dinner
SINGAPORE: Hsu Yee Mon, a 29-year-old Myanmar domestic worker, was sentenced to a year’s jail after pleading guilty to one charge of ill-treating a child. The incident occurred while feeding a one-year-old boy his dinner, resulting in a bruise on his right cheek and lips. The victim’s identity is protected under a court order, and the location of the offense remains undisclosed.
What Happened
On July 1 last year, the boy’s parents entrusted him to Hsu’s care at home while they were at work due to his illness. The court documents did not specify the length of Hsu’s employment with the family. During dinner at 6:34 pm, the child started crying in his baby chair as Hsu fed him. She proceeded to hit him on the face, press his stomach, and punch him in the chest, causing visible injuries and emotional distress.
Footage from a closed-circuit television camera revealed the severity of the assault, with onlookers in the courtroom gasping at the violence witnessed. The boy narrowly avoided hitting a wall after being slapped, which could have resulted in further harm. Hsu’s attempt to conceal the injuries with sugar and mislead the parents about the incident further exacerbated the situation.
Actions Were “Egregious”: Judge’s Verdict
Deputy Public Prosecutor Darren Ang emphasized the severity of Hsu’s actions, describing them as “highly aggravating” due to the child’s vulnerability and her attempts to evade responsibility. The judge, Shaiffudin Saruwan, concurred with the prosecution, highlighting the defenselessness of the victim against Hsu’s violent outburst.
Despite Hsu’s plea for leniency based on her remorse and personal circumstances, the judge deemed her actions as egregious, resulting in the one-year jail sentence. The court’s decision sends a strong message about the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from abuse and holding perpetrators accountable for their conduct.
As we reflect on this distressing incident, it is crucial to remember the impact of our actions on others, especially those who depend on us for care and support. The case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility that comes with looking after vulnerable members of society and the consequences of failing to uphold basic standards of care and compassion. Let us strive to create a safer and more nurturing environment for all, where every individual, regardless of age or status, is treated with dignity and respect.