A man and woman were charged in court on Monday (Oct 17) over the alleged physical abuse of an 11-year-old girl in a Chua Chu Kang flat two years ago.

The Singaporean pair, both aged 34, cannot be named due to a court order to protect the identity of the girl, who is now 13.

They each face one charge of ill-treatment of a child by inflicting unnecessary physical pain, suffering or injury.

Court documents and records did not provide more details on the relationship between the three of them, but the woman had custody of the girl, which grants a parent authority in making major decisions about their child’s upbringing and welfare.

The man had care of the child, which gave him the right to make decisions on the girl’s day-to-day matters.

Court documents showed that on Aug 24, 2020, the man allegedly slapped the girl’s face and hit her arms and legs with a belt about 20 times, causing her to sustain various physical injuries.

The woman is accused of knowingly permitting the man to do this. She was allegedly present during the assault and did not intervene to stop him.

No details were given on what prompted the alleged abuse.

On Monday, a judge asked them to find legal counsel and adjourned the matter to Oct 27. They remain out on bail of S$20,000 each.

If convicted under the Children and Young Persons Act, they could be jailed up to eight years or fined up to S$8,000, or punished with both.

In lieu of this punishment, or on top of it, a court can order an offender to post a bond in order to ensure their good behaviour for a certain period of time. The bond may include conditions such as undergoing counselling, psychotherapy or other programmes.

Source:
courtesy of TODAY

by LOUISA TANG

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