Domestic worker takes Hong Kong employer to court over accusations of repeated abuse
- The Philippine national and mother of one says she was beaten, threatened and forced to eat porridge spiked with detergent
- A lawyer for the defendant says she intends to challenge the plaintiff’s credibility in a future hearing, but requests a lengthy adjournment
Secondary school teacher Mak Pui-shan stands accused of mistreating Eden Gumba Pales at a Tsuen Wan high-rise flat on five occasions between October 2020 and May 29 of this year.
The 35-year-old defendant has denied one count of administering a noxious substance with intent to injure, one of criminal intimidation, and four stemming from assault-related offences. She faces up to three years in jail if convicted.
Pales, 37, was subjected to prolonged physical abuse by Mak, who forced the Philippine national to toil for long hours, denied her days off and attacked her when she failed in her duties, West Kowloon Court heard on Monday.
Pales arrived in the city in March last year and went to work for Mak’s family of four after completing quarantine.