17 weeks’ jail for helper who got drunk and assaulted elderly woman under her care

SINGAPORE – Intoxicated after drinking two cans of beer, a domestic helper assaulted an elderly woman under her care in a Bukit Merah flat, causing the victim to hit her head against a bed.

The 83-year-old victim, who has moderate Alzheimer’s disease and was completely dependent on the helper for her basic needs, suffered wounds on her left limbs and a bruise on her scalp. She was hospitalised for about two weeks.

Vei Nei Chong, 32, who is a Myanmar national, pleaded guilty to an assault charge and was sentenced to 17 weeks’ jail on Aug 24.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Jeremy Bin told the court that the two women were the only occupants of the flat.

They were at home in the evening of July 28 when Vei Nei Chong argued with her boyfriend over the phone while drinking beer.

At 9.11pm, the victim was lying in her bed when the helper yelled at her.

The offender then kicked a chair, causing it to hit the bed.

The DPP said: “She continued shouting while kicking the same chair, then lifted the victim’s metal walking frame over her head and threw it across the flat.

“The victim, fearing for her safety, attempted to open the door to exit the flat. However, the accused pushed the victim away and slammed the door shut before kicking the victim’s back.”

When the woman tried to open the door again, Vei Nei Chong grabbed her shoulders and flung her to the floor.

The woman’s head hit the bed, and she fell to the floor, where she lay motionless.

Her neighbour, who heard the loud noises, alerted the police. The victim was later taken by ambulance to the Singapore General Hospital.

For assaulting a vulnerable victim, an offender can be jailed for up to six years, fined up to $10,000, or both.

Shaffiq Alkhatib is The Straits Times’ court correspondent, covering mainly criminal cases heard at the State Courts.