Grandmother of abandoned Chinese boy in court over allegations she allowed him to overstay in Hong Kong for nine years

The grandmother of an abandoned mainland Chinese boy who led an undocumented life in Hong Kong for nine years appeared in court today facing a charge over the illegal stay of her grandson.

The child, Xiao Youhuai, was permitted to stay in Hong Kong only until November 3, 2006, Sha Tin Court heard, but Chow Siu-shuen, 67, helped him remain till May 21 this year.

Chow did not enter a plea to one count of aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring a breach of condition of stay.

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Read more: Grandmother of abandoned boy, 12, charged with helping him overstay in Hong Kong for nine years

Her lawyer, Mark Chiu, told the court it was because Chow needed time to make arrangements for the care of her grandchild. Chiu was also awaiting further instructions from Chow and seeking counsel advice.

The defendant was granted HK$500 bail. Magistrate Cheung Kit-yee adjourned the case to October 5.

Xiao Youhuai is the name of the boy shown on court documents. This differed from earlier media reports of the spelling as Siu Yau-wai – a name provided by a representative of the Federation of Trade Unions, Ö which was previously assisting the pair.

He was 12 when Chow brought him out of hiding to face the media in May.