The horrific details of child abuse and tragedy unfolded as a Singaporean court sentenced a mother and her boyfriend for the abuse and subsequent death of her four-year-old daughter, Megan Khung. The mother, Foo Li Ping, 29, was sentenced to 19 years’ imprisonment, while her then-boyfriend, Wong Shi Xiang, 38, received a 30-year jail term and 17 strokes of the cane for his role in Megan’s death and other offences.
The judge, Justice Hoo Sheau Peng, did not hold back in her condemnation of the pair’s actions, describing them as “heinous, deplorable and violent.” The court heard distressing details of the abuse Megan endured, with the judge highlighting Megan’s pleas for necessities such as food and clothing falling on deaf ears, stating, “For months, the girl pleaded with them for food, clothing and to leave the planter box where she was made to sleep, but her pleas fell on deaf ears and a hardened heart.” The abuse was further compounded by the couple’s mockery and taunting of Megan, with the judge noting that they even recorded Megan’s suffering, showcasing their “absolute depravity.”
The abuse inflicted on Megan was disturbing and relentless, with the court hearing that she was subjected to physical violence, and deprivation of basic needs, and was even made to sleep in a planter box outside. Unfortunately, Megan’s ordeal took a fatal turn when Wong delivered a fatal blow to her, leading to her death. Following Megan’s tragic passing, the couple displayed “utter callousness and cruelty” by callously planning and executing the disposal of her body, denying her the dignity of a proper laying to rest.
The sentences handed down to Foo and Wong were a reflection of the court’s stance on the severity of child abuse, with Justice Hoo emphasizing, “To reiterate, when parents or caregivers abuse their children in ways which torment them physically, mentally and emotionally, the court must, on behalf of society, impose stiff punishment reflecting the disapprobation of such conduct.”
In their defence, Foo’s lawyers highlighted her history of domestic abuse and her mental state at the time of the offence, while Wong sought to downplay his actions by attributing them to drug influence. However, the judge dismissed these arguments, emphasizing that they did not absolve the pair of their wrongdoing.
The mother-daughter interaction during the trial was poignant, with Foo apologizing to her mother and the latter urging her daughter to be a better person and take care of herself.
