Image (Facebook): Angie Yeh Liaw and Chee Kit Chong
Court Urged to Expedite Case as Victim's Terminal Cancer Diagnosis Raises Concerns
Prosecutors are urging the court to fast-track the case against Chee Kit Chong and Angie Liaw, a Point Cook couple accused of keeping a woman as a slave for several months. The legal team is pushing for an expedited trial due to the deteriorating health condition of the alleged victim, who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Allegations & Legal Proceedings
Chong and Liaw face serious charges under modern slavery laws, with prosecutors alleging that between January and October 2022, the victim was held in domestic servitude at their Point Cook home. The court has heard that the woman was subjected to excessive control, denied basic freedoms, and forced into unpaid labor under oppressive conditions.
Both accused have pleaded not guilty and are currently out on bail as legal proceedings continue.
Push for an Expedited Trial
During the latest hearing, the prosecution argued for urgency, citing the alleged victim’s worsening health condition. They emphasized that delays in the case could prevent the woman from giving crucial testimony, affecting the outcome of the trial.
Defense lawyers, however, have requested additional time, arguing that further evidence needs to be examined before proceeding to trial.
Public Reaction & Next Steps
The case has sparked discussions around modern slavery in Australia, with advocates calling for stronger protections for victims of exploitation. Human rights groups stress that cases like this highlight the hidden nature of domestic servitude and the challenges in prosecuting such offenses.
The court will decide in the coming weeks whether to expedite the trial or allow the defense more time to prepare.
