Domestic helper arrested after 1-year-old girl suffers burns in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, a domestic worker has been arrested on suspicion of child neglect following a 23-month-old girl's second-degree burns, reported the child's mother. The 30-year-old woman was apprehended the previous day after a neighbor reported the girl had been scalded by hot water and suspected mistreatment. The victim was currently receiving treatment and observation at Tuen Mun Hospital.

The arrestee was set to appear at Tuen Mun Court on Friday for a mention hearing, with the case being investigated by a criminal team in Yuen Long. The incident took place at the helper's Yuen Long home while her employer, the girl's parents, were at work. According to sources, the helper allegedly intended to take the girl to the bathroom to prevent them from hurting each other.

However, the girl reportedly scalded her hands while touching a hot tap without the helper's knowledge. The mother, also a Facebook user, stated that a doctor had diagnosed her daughter with second-degree burns, noting that the girl's hands had reddened skin and bruises on her forehead. Surveillance footage allegedly showed the helper bringing ice into the bathroom at 2:58pm and not calling for help until 3:18pm.

The helper provided conflicting accounts to the police, one stating she was cooking and the other claiming she needed to use the toilet, but the mother disputed these claims, alleging they were lies. The helper had been employed by the family since March 30 this year, and under Hong Kong law, child neglect can lead to a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment or three years' imprisonment upon summary conviction.