Paragraph 1: The Allegations and Charges
A 34-year-old Australian influencer from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast has been arrested and charged with a series of grave offenses, including torture, fraud, and administering poison with intent to harm. The charges stem from allegations that she drugged a baby known to her and filmed the child’s suffering to solicit donations and gain online followers. The alleged incidents occurred between August and October of last year, during which the woman is accused of giving the infant unauthorized prescription and over-the-counter medications, causing the child "immense distress and pain." She then allegedly documented the baby’s reaction and shared the videos online.
Paragraph 2: Financial Exploitation and Fundraising
The influencer is accused of exploiting the baby’s suffering for financial gain, allegedly raising approximately $60,000 (£30,500) through a GoFundMe campaign. Police allege that the videos of the distressed child were deliberately created and disseminated to elicit sympathy and encourage donations. This alleged misuse of online platforms and crowdfunding mechanisms for personal gain adds another layer of depravity to the accusations. The police statement explicitly states that the content was used "to entice monetary donations and online followers," highlighting the calculated nature of the alleged scheme.
Paragraph 3: Medical Context and Alleged Disregard for Medical Advice
The baby initially received hospital treatment for a legitimate health issue. However, the influencer allegedly disregarded medical advice and actively sought out unauthorized medications, including old prescriptions belonging to another individual in the household. She then administered these medications to the infant, exacerbating the child’s suffering. This alleged disregard for professional medical guidance further underscores the severity of the accusations and suggests a deliberate intent to harm the child.
Paragraph 4: The Police Investigation and Arrest
Healthcare professionals became concerned about the baby’s condition after the child was admitted to Brisbane Hospital in October suffering a serious medical episode. Their concerns triggered a police investigation, which culminated in the woman’s arrest in the Brisbane suburb of Underwood. She now faces multiple charges: five counts of administering poison with intent to harm, three counts of preparation to commit crimes with dangerous things, and one count each of torture, making child exploitation material, and fraud. The arrest brings to light the critical role of medical professionals in identifying and reporting potential cases of child abuse and neglect.
Paragraph 5: Police Response and the Child’s Welfare
Detective Inspector Paul Dalton described the allegations as abhorrent and emphasized the police commitment to protecting children from harm. He stated that law enforcement agencies are "too often faced with the worst offences against children" and vowed to "do everything in our power to remove that child from harm’s way and hold any offender to account." While police have confirmed that the baby is known to the accused woman, they declined to specify the exact nature of their relationship, refraining from confirming whether the child is her daughter. This careful approach prioritizes the child’s privacy and protection.
Paragraph 6: Legal Proceedings and Media Coverage
The woman was scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court following her arrest. The case has attracted significant media attention, raising public concern about child exploitation and the misuse of online platforms for fraudulent purposes. News outlets have widely reported the arrest and the serious nature of the charges, highlighting the potential consequences for the accused. The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of children and the importance of vigilance in protecting them from harm, both online and offline. It also underscores the need for accountability when individuals exploit children for personal gain, especially through the manipulation of online platforms and charitable giving.
