SINGAPORE - A 59-year-old man was given a two-year mandatory treatment order (MTO) on Thursday (Aug 11) for hurting his Indonesian domestic worker.

Ng Tong Kok, a part-time cleaner, was suffering from major depressive disorder when he hit the 33-year-old woman with a walking stick, punched her in the head and kicked her.

The assault happened on Feb 23 last year, when the maid, Ms Warda - who goes by one name - was taking care of Ng's 83-year-old mother.

Ng scolded the worker for not buying bee hoon for breakfast, before hitting her. During the attack, Ms Warda shouted for help, running from the kitchen to the living room, before unlocking the main door and running out of the Henderson Crescent flat.

She sought help from another domestic worker living in the unit opposite Ng's home, and called the police from there.

In mitigation documents submitted to the Court, Ng's lawyer Chong Yi Mei said Ng's condition had diminished his ability to control his emotions.

Ms Chong pointed out that Ms Warda had been hired to look after Ng's mother but did not have much experience looking after elderly people.

She added that Ms Warda would give Ng's mother the wrong medication and would not be attentive to her needs.

In asking for an MTO, Ms Chong said Ms Warda's injuries were superficial, and the attack was not premeditated.

The court agreed, noting that Ng, who was living with his mother, appeared to be showing signs of "caregiver stress".

Implemented in 2010, the MTO is a community sentencing option for offenders suffering from mental conditions that have contributed to them committing the offence.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Stephanie Koh said the prosecution was considering filing a notice of appeal.