Ex-preschool teacher in S'pore, 32, lifted 2-year-old girl by arm, pulled her across classroom & shook her violently

A female Chinese national, who previously worked as a pre-school teacher, was convicted of one charge of ill-treating a two-year-old girl in 2022 on Oct. 22.

According to court documents, 32-year-old Wu Jiaying was found to have forcefully placed the girl down onto the floor and a chair, lifted her by her arm and pulled her across the classroom at about 10:38am.

She also grabbed the girl by the shoulder and shook her violently. She also grabbed and shook her left arm.

The pre-school in which the incident took place cannot be named due to a gag order protecting the victim's identity.

Argued that she suffered from depression and stress

In court, Wu argued that her actions were an attempt to regain control of the situation and calm the girl down, and hence pleaded not guilty to the charge, CNA reported.

She claimed that she suffered from major depressive disorder and was under significant work-related stress at the time.

Wu also said that she lacked the skills to handle a child who was developmentally slower or might have special needs.

She added that the school did not act on her feedback regarding the girl's suspected condition.

The court, however, rejected her defence, finding that the prosecution had proven the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

Prosecution: Acts were conscious and intentional

In court, the judge said that it was undisputed that Wu was one of two teachers assigned to the class during the incident, CNA reported.

According to CNA, the prosecution argued that Wu had consciously and intentionally carried out the acts, causing the girl unnecessary physical pain.

Wu initially claimed that the child was under the school's custody rather than her own care.

She also sought to justify her actions, saying that she placed the girl on a chair to calm her down.

She then said that she pulled the girl across the classroom to bring her to a safe area, and shook her to move her away from nearby furniture, as well as to get her to listen to her and quieten down.

Judge rejected psychiatric report

CNA reported that the judge found the psychiatric report submitted by Wu lacking in evidence and reasoning, and failed to establish a link between her alleged condition and the offence.

Wu also attempted to downplay the intensity of her actions, describing them as merely "inappropriate" or "not gentle enough".

She further argued that there was no medical evidence or direct testimony proving that the girl had suffered pain or injury.

In response, the judge stated that such evidence was not required for the court to make a finding that her acts had indeed caused pain to the girl.

"Based on my observations from the CCTV footage of the force used and the manner in which Ms. Wu had done the acts set out in the charge, I have no difficulty in finding that her acts had caused physical pain to the child," the judge said.

Misuse of AI in submissions

CNA also reported that Wu had cited non-existent cases and provided incorrect citations during her submissions.

The judge reminded her that if she used generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the future, she would have to comply with the court's guidelines on AI use.

Sentencing and mitigation have been adjourned to a later date.

For ill-treating a child, Wu faces a maximum penalty of eight years' imprisonment, a fine of up to S$8,000, or both.

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