A couple in Tokyo’s Ota Ward, who were arrested last November, on suspicion of abandoning their three babies soon after their births in 2002, 2010 and 2011, went on trial Wednesday.

The Tokyo District Court heard that Hideaki Tonuma, 32, who is unemployed, and his wife Chiemi, 31, a former bar hostess, abandoned the three newborn babies, Fuji TV reported. The bizarre case came to light after the couple were arrested for abandoning a baby girl who was found alive in a public park in Ota in March 2011.

During police questioning, the couple also confessed to having disposed of the body of a son, born 12 years ago, who was reported missing shortly after his birth. The Tonumas claim the boy died and that they later disposed of his body in Saitama Prefecture.

The court heard that the pair also abandoned another baby girl in 2010. The girl was found but the son’s body was never found. Police said that DNA tests on the two baby girls led them to the parents who remained elusive until their arrest.

The Tonumas also have a 9-year-old son who was placed in a child welfare center in 2004 after being abused by his parents.

In Wednesday's opening session, the Tonumas both entered a plea of guilty, Fuji reported.

© Japan Today