Grandma In Wan Chai Child Killing Misses Court

A woman charged with murdering her six-year-old grandson over the weekend at a Wan Chai guesthouse was unable to appear in court on Tuesday as she was in hospital.

Eastern Court magistrate Peter Law adjourned the case until Friday, but said the defendant, Kan Kwai-fong, could appear before the court earlier if she is discharged before then.

Prosecutors allege the cleaner strangled her grandson, Cheng Ting-hin, at the Beverly Hotel on Lockhart Road.

It was not known what Kan was being treated for in hospital, where she remained under police custody.

Meanwhile, acting Chief Executive Matthew Cheung said the government will look at how to strengthen support for families with children who have special educational needs.

Some initial reports had said the boy suffered from hyperactivity disorder, but the police later said they had found no evidence of this.

Cheung said a system was already in place to help families with children below six who have extra needs.

"This particular child just entered primary one, so it might be a pretty odd case here," he said. Cheung also urged families facing problems to seek help.