Man Spared Jail Over Granddaughter's Death

A man was on Tuesday given a suspended jail sentence for child neglect which led to his granddaughter's death last year.

The girl, 5, died from head injuries after falling from the electric tricycle ridden by the defendant in Cheung Chau in January 2022.

The man earlier pleaded guilty to three counts, including neglecting a child in his custody.

He was given a two-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, and fined HK$6,000 at the Eastern Court.

Passing sentence, Principal Magistrate Ivy Chui described the case as a tragedy, and said there is a slim chance of the defendant re-offending.

She cited a letter from his family, which said the defendant and his granddaughter had been very close, adding she hopes he could recover from grief soon.