A Chinese woman today pleaded guilty to neglecting her two children, aged nine and eleven, by leaving them in Malta on their own for a week, while she was in Poland for medical reasons.

The woman did not have sufficient means to engage a lawyer, and Dr Francine Abela was appointed as legal aid.

The prosecution, led by inspectors Paula Ciantar and Roderick Agius, said that on 9 February the police were informed that two children were at home unattended while their parents were in Poland. The police, she said, contacted the parents following investigations, and the father made arrangements to return home as soon as possible and said he was not aware that they had been left unattended.

The accused, the prosecution said, was in Poland for medical reasons, and had to spend some more time there. She returned two days ago and an arrest warrant was issued.

During the investigation, the investigators spoke with the children and said that both seemed to be quite independent. “When we visited their home, they were in control of the situation, however it is still unacceptable to leave children alone unattended for a week without relatives in Malta. This seems to be something acceptable in China and that is why the accused left them alone. We are not requesting an effective prison term.”

Presiding Magistrate Gabriella Vella will deliver her decision on the case tomorrow.