Toddler Severely Injured in Abuse Case; Court Sentences Biological Mother to 13 Years 6 Months, Stepfather to 14 Years 10 Months

(Central News Agency Reporter Chang Yi-lien Kaohsiung June 30) A toddler in Kaohsiung was severely abused by his biological mother and stepfather, suffering serious and untreatable injuries. After trial, the court sentenced the biological mother and stepfather to 13 years and 6 months, and 14 years and 10 months imprisonment respectively for jointly committing the crime of abusing a person under 7 years old, causing severe injury. The sentences can be appealed.

The judgment document from the Taiwan Kaohsiung District Court stated that in 2024, the toddler was repeatedly abused and injured by his biological mother and stepfather, resulting in serious and untreatable injuries that impaired the child's physical and mental health and development. After social workers sent the child for medical treatment, the Kaohsiung City Government filed an independent prosecution, and the Nanzi Precinct of the Kaohsiung City Police Bureau reported the case to the Taiwan Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office for investigation.

The judge considered that the toddler's injuries had reached the level of severe harm. The biological mother and stepfather, due to impatience with the child's discipline, resorted to abuse. Both failed to fulfill their duty of care and instead used methods that even ordinary adults would find unbearable to inflict severe injuries on the toddler. The court deemed that the perpetrators' cruel methods of committing the crime warranted severe punishment and should not be treated lightly.

The judge took into account that the toddler suffered severe and untreatable damage to his physiological functions, and the psychological impact would inevitably severely affect the rest of his life. The harm caused by the biological mother and stepfather was extremely significant and deserved strong condemnation. Considering that both defendants falsely claimed the toddler was scalded by duck soup (jiangmuya) and other post-offense behaviors, the court sentenced the biological mother to 13 years and 6 months and the stepfather to 14 years and 10 months imprisonment for jointly committing the crime of abusing a person under 7 years old, causing severe injury. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150630

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