Probation for depressed mom who killed her tot

Nickkita Lau

A mentally ill woman who killed her adopted daughter by repeatedly dropping her on her head has been put on probation for three years.

High Court judge Judianna Barnes Wai-ling yesterday said she empathized with Candy Chan Man-yum's condition, adding the tragedy could have been prevented had she received treatment in time.

A psychiatric report showed Chan, 52, suffered from manic depressive disorder and her violent action towards her mainland-born, one-year-old adoptive daughter Chan Yin-tung - also known as Fu Najuan - may have been induced by the illness.

Chan had pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

The court was told she returned to Hong Kong from Shenzhen on the evening of October 13, 2008, and took over baby-sitting duties from her mother.

Around 10.10pm that night, a chef working in a hotel across from her Yau Ma Tei home saw Chan holding the baby girl by her feet and dropping her to the floor.

She then shook the baby several times before dropping her again and again.

After a while, the chef observed what appeared to be Chan giving the child artificial resucitation. She then wrapped the child in a towel and moved away from the chef's view. Chan took the baby to Kwong Wah Hospital that night.

The baby had no pulse but her heartbeat was restored after emergency treatment, but she died five days later - a month before Chan was due to have a scheduled mental consultation.

A hospital doctor found the injuries suspicious and called in the police.

Chan initially claimed the baby fell from her cot but later admitted she had dropped her as she was upset by the baby's cries and exhausted from her trip to Shenzhen.

"This tragedy could have been prevented had the defendant been given treatment on time," the judge said. Barnes said manslaughter is a serious offence and normally requires a heavy sentence.

But after considering Chan's exceptional situation, her past of helping others, her mental illness as well as the pain she suffered over her daughter's death, she decided a probation order would be suitable.

The court heard Chan became pregnant at an early age after being raped and had an abortion.

She moved to Japan to work and study and on her return felt guilty over the abortion and decided to adopt a child.