A Singapore court has charged a 24-year old man with killing his own five-year-old son on 24 October. The man allegedly splashed hot water repeatedly on the child who succumbed to the injuries a day later.
It is reported that the accused carried out the heinous act on 22 October (Saturday) between noon and 8:48pm at a Housing Board flat in Block 160 in Toa Payoh Lorong 1 and the baby died on Sunday in KK Women's and Children's Hospital.
According to The New Paper, the hospital informed the police after the boy was admitted as they suspected the injuries were not accidental. However, police refused to comment on the case before the court.
Meanwhile, the neighbours gave quite a lot insights in the case. According to the news portal, the neighbours told that the family moved into the rental flat about two years ago and mostly kept to themselves but would greet them in the lift or at the corridors. It was also found out that the couple was in their early twenties and had four children.
The odd job worker, according to the reports said: "I'm not sure how old they are, but I've seen the eldest in school uniform, and the youngest was always pushed around in a pram."
It was also reported that a Ministry of Social and Family Development spokesman said that the other children have been placed in alternative care for the time being by Child Protective Service. MSF also informed that it is working closely with the family and professionals to ensure the children's safety and well-being.
The court has given 31 October as the next day for hearing the case. In Singapore, the maximum punishment for voluntarily causing grievous hurt can be up to 15 years' jail with a fine or caning.
