Hong Kong kindergarten teacher charged with assaulting three-year-old girl

A kindergarten teacher was charged on Friday with assaulting a three-year-old after she was accused of slapping the girl on her chest multiple times in school.

Lin Ka-wing, 40, who appeared in Kwun Tong Court, was charged with one count of assault by those in charge of child or young person, after she allegedly slapped the girl inside a toilet at Tsing Yi Trade Association Tseung Kwan O Kindergarten on an unspecified date in September.

Prosecutors alleged that the beating was wilful, in a manner likely to cause the girl unnecessary suffering.

Lin, who is still working at the preschool in question, did not enter a plea, as the justice department asked for extra time to review the decision to continue the case with the current charge.

Acting principal magistrate Cheung Kit-yee adjourned the case to November 15 and released the teacher on a HK$2,000 (US$255) cash bail. She must report to police once a week, and must not contact any witnesses in the case.

A police spokesman said earlier the woman was arrested by police in Tseung Kwan O around midday on Thursday.