A woman in Australia has been charged with the abhorrent crime of poisoning a child and then callously sharing videos of the infant’s suffering online. The 34-year-old woman, hailing from the Sunshine Coast, is accused of administering unauthorized prescription and pharmacy medicines to a one-year-old girl without any medical approval, as revealed by Queensland Police on Thursday.
According to a statement released by the Queensland Police, the woman allegedly procured various unapproved medications and even resorted to utilizing old medicines meant for a different individual that were found in their residence, completely disregarding medical advice. This sinister behavior is said to have taken place between August 6 and October 15, 2024, during which the child endured significant distress and pain due to the poisoning.
The disturbing turn of events came to light when vigilant medical staff at a hospital, where the child was receiving treatment, raised concerns with the authorities. It is alleged that the woman not only poisoned the child but callously captured and shared videos of the suffering infant in a deplorable attempt to attract viewers and solicit donations online.
Subsequent tests conducted on the unauthorized medications yielded positive results on January 7, leading to the arrest of the woman by law enforcement officers on Thursday. She now faces a litany of grave charges, including five counts of administering poison with the intent to cause harm, three counts of preparing to commit crimes involving dangerous substances, and a single count each of torture, producing child exploitation material, and fraud.
Detective Inspector Paul Dalton, from the Morningside Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU), emphasized the severity of the allegations, highlighting that the unit is tasked with addressing the most egregious offenses against children. In a firm stance against such despicable acts, Dalton asserted, “We will do everything in our power to remove that child from harm’s way and hold any offender to account. There is no excuse for harming a child, especially not a one-year-old infant who is reliant on others for care and survival.”
The accused woman is set to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday to face the aforementioned charges. This appalling case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding the vulnerable and upholding the sanctity of innocence, particularly when it comes to the well-being of young children who depend on adults for their protection and care.
