Retired Hong Kong man used lighter and knife to scare mentally impaired son, court hears
Father pleads guilty to one count of wilful assault by those in charge of a child or young person and another of ill treatment
A retired man used a lighter to burn his mentally impaired 11-year-old son’s hand and a fruit knife to scare the boy in an attempt to make him behave, Fanling Court heard.
The abuse came to light when teachers discovered the boy had burn marks on the back of his right hand.
His 61-year-old father, whom the Post decided not to name to protect the child, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of wilful assault by those in charge of a child or young person and another of ill treatment.
Deputy magistrate Stephanie Tsui May-har was told that on March 12, the father used a lighter to burn the back of his son’s right hand to scare the boy.
He later confessed to police that six months earlier he had placed a knife on a table and told his son to place his hand next to it to scare him and make him behave.
The court heard the boy was suffering from developmental delay, epilepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
His father has a clear criminal record.
Sentencing was adjourned until November 23, pending reports on his background and suitability for community service and probation orders.
