21 months’ probation for schizophrenic retiree who abused maid

SINGAPORE — A retiree was sentenced to 21 months of supervised probation today (Feb 10), after it surfaced in court that her schizophrenia and depressive symptoms had “contributed significantly” to her abuse of a domestic helper.

Lum Wai Lui (picture), 75, was convicted of two counts of maid abuse last May.

The retired radiograph and medicine technician had poured bleach over Ms Jonna Memeje Muegue. She also slapped the domestic helper and slammed her head against a wall.

Delivering her judgement today, District Judge (DJ) Lee Poh Choo ordered Lum to continue taking her medication and seeing a psychiatrist.

She also requested that Lum’s family discuss with the probation officer, should they consider hiring another domestic helper.

“Should there be any adverse (progress) reports, any comments that the accused had not been cooperative, I will revoke the probation order,” said DJ Lee.

Lum’s younger daughter Chua Siew Wei, whom she lives with, will also have to pay a bond of S$15,000 to ensure her mother’s compliance with the probation order.

Court documents revealed that Lum had persecutory delusions about her domestic helper, believing that she was having affairs with her sons-in-law.

During her 10 months working for the household, Ms Muegue lost 10kg. She eventually climbed out of a window and escaped from Maplewoods condominium on Oct 30, 2012, breaking both legs in the process.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Yang Ziliang called for a compensation order to be made, in light of the irritation caused by the chemical burns and Ms Muegue’s loss of

income.

But defence lawyer Quek Mong Hua pointed out that Lum had already paid over S$24,000 for the domestic helper’s hospital and nursing home bills.

Moreover, Ms Muegue had already commenced a civil suit against Lum to claim compensation. Agreeing with the defence, DJ Lee said that the civil suit would be “a more appropriate forum” to discuss compensation.