Helper in Hong Kong charged, another in custody, over alleged abuse of 2 children

One of two domestic helpers in Hong Kong earlier arrested for allegedly abusing two small children faces a holding charge of ill-treatment after one of the boys, a four-month-old infant, was hospitalised with a brain haemorrhage and injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome.Chief Inspector Tam Ching-shan of the Tai Po District crime unit said on Wednesday that the two helpers, aged 28 and 45, worked in the same household as the infant and his 16-month-old brother, who was also found with injuries.Tam said the 28-year-old was suspected of abusing the children at their home in Sheung Shui’s Tsiu Keng Village and was scheduled to appear in Fanling Court on Thursday to face a holding charge of ill-treatment or neglect of a child or young person.The helpers’ alleged crimes occurred shortly before the city’s Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance took effect on Tuesday to strengthen protections for children.Tam said the suspected abuse was first brought to light on Sunday, when Prince of Wales Hospital alerted police to the infant’s injuries.The infant was currently hospitalised in the intensive care unit after undergoing brain surgery and remained in critical condition, she added.