Boy Uses Computer To Save Mom

A six-year-old boy used a computer to call for help while his mother and a maid were being tied up in the next room by an armed robber -- and police were able to catch the thief on the scene.

The boy, Lau Chun-yin, sneaked into the bedroom and used a pre-programmed computer function to call his father, the South China Morning Post reported Thursday, quoting from a court hearing Wednesday.

The boy's father alerted police, who quickly arrested Ma Ka-lam, 17.

The boy's mother, Leung Sau-king, told reporters that Chun-yin had been working with computers since he was 3 years old.

"I wouldn't say he's a genius, but Chun-yin learns relatively fast," the Post quoted her as saying.

Ma, who took $35 from Leung's wallet, pleaded guilty in the July 21 robbery and was ordered to serve 200 hours of community service, the newspaper said.