A Chinese man who set his handicapped wife on fire was sentenced to two years in prison Wednesday, according to the South China Morning Post.
During a 2015 spat over an extramarital affair, 61-year-old Wong Yun-cheong poured paint thinner on his wife, Cheung Yin-ha, and himself in their flat in Tseung Kwan O. With the application of a lighter, Cheung, who was left partially paralyzed by a stroke 12 years earlier, burst into flames.
Wong was unable to complete his attempt at murder. Hearing his wife scream in agony, he had a change of heart. He used a pillow to extinguish the fire.
Wong told investigators that he had also intended to kill himself in the process of burning his wife alive. During the argument over the affair, Wong felt overwhelmed by his unfaithfulness, his wife’s lack of trust in him, and all the hardships he and his wife had encountered as a result of her stroke.
Sixteen percent of Cheung’s body was affected by second and third degree burns, SCMP reported. She is still receiving treatment for the injuries sustained during her husband’s attack.
Wong reportedly turned himself in to authorities and pleaded guilty to one count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
In court, Cheung begged the judge to show mercy.
“I want to see my husband. I hope he can come home early to take care of me. I shouldn’t have thrown a tantrum,” she said in a letter written on her behalf.
The High Court said Wednesday that Wong made a “mistake.” The judge commented that the case was a tragedy and ought to be treated “sympathetically.” The court issued a lenient sentence.
The judge, Justice Albert Wong Sung-hau, stated that arson is a serious crime and warrants a response. “The court doesn’t want to send the wrong message to society,” the judge said, explaining why the court issued a sentence.
Wong’s sentence of two years is significantly lower than the standard minimum sentence of five years.
The court appears interested in allowing Wong to continue to serve as Cheung’s primary caregiver. “It’s in Cheung’s best interests if her husband can take care of her as soon as possible,” the judge said.
The judge reasoned that because Wong showed regret for trying to kill his wife and himself over an affair, he should be entrusted with Cheung’s care after his release.
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