Hong Kong man 'kills autistic son because burden of caring for him was tough for whole family'

Choy Sin-hung has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, having denied murder

The High Court in Hong Kong (Google Maps)

A man has pleaded guilty to killing his autistic son by slashing him around 100 times.

Choy Sin-hung, 61, pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the High Court in Hong Kong following the death of his 15-year-old son in June 2014. He denied the original charge of murder.

According to local media, the court heard how the unemployed Choy attacked his son with two knives while he was sleeping at their home in the Yuen Long area of the city. He then called the police.

The autopsy report was said to show over 100 external wounds.

Choy worried that he was getting old and feared there would be no one to care for his son after Choy's death.

Police found a suicide note in the living room - with the court hearing that Choy had planned to kill himself. The note said: “It’s extremely tough for the whole family. If he’s gone, the whole family would have peace.

Judge Maggie Poon Man-kay has postponed sentencing until 11 August to allow psychological and psychiatric evaluations can be carried out.

Psychiatrist Dr Ivan Mak Wing-chit said the case highlighted the lack of support families with autistic children are given in Hong Kong.

He told the South China Morning Post caregivers can often feel “really lonely or helpless”.

He said: "Those suffering from serious conditions such as autism might have quite disruptive social behaviours that can cause a lot of pressure to their caregivers.

"Since they have difficulties in social interaction, it might seem like they have a lack of appreciation towards their caregivers, creating more tension and stress".