Domestic helper accuses Hong Kong couple of conspiring to rape her, then paying her HK$150 to keep mum about it
- Female employer Lai Chi-san allegedly entered the helper’s room naked one night, telling her: ‘Sir wants you. Pay money.’
- After alleged assault, Chan Chim-tak is said to have told his wife to buy contraceptive pills and stuffed money into helper’s hands
A domestic helper has accused a Hong Kong couple of conspiring to rape her at their flat and trying to cover up the crime by paying her HK$150 after the assault.
Chan Chim-tak, 48, and his wife Lai Chi-san, 36, stood accused before a High Court jury of sexually assaulting the Filipino helper in a high-rise flat at Hung Fuk Estate in Hung Shui Kiu, Yuen Long, on January 21, 2018.
Chan allegedly attempted to rape the then 30-year-old helper that night after Lai pulled her to the couple’s bedroom and told her that her husband liked her and would pay to have sex with her.
The male employer was said to have raped the helper on the second attempt with Lai’s assistance. She allegedly helped her husband become sexually stimulated and turned a blind eye when the complainant screamed for help. Lai was also accused of groping the helper once during the assault.
Chan denied a count of rape and a count of attempted rape, claiming that the sexual acts that night were consensual. Lai pleaded not guilty to aiding and abetting rape and indecent assault. The trial began on Monday.
The domestic helper was married with two children when she left her native Philippines for Hong Kong in November 2017.
She testified on Tuesday that Lai, whom she called “Madam”, had entered her room naked that night asking her to sleep with the couple, adding: “Sir wants you. Pay money.”