A Queensland social media influencer, aged 34 and unnamed for legal reasons, faces serious allegations of poisoning her one-year-old child to boost her online presence and raise $60,000 in donations. The case has necessitated the hiring of additional staff by her solicitor due to the extensive volume of medical documents involved.
During a brief mention in Brisbane Magistrates Court, the woman, currently on bail, was not required to appear. Her solicitor, Matthew Cuskelly, requested a further adjournment, stating that he is reviewing the comprehensive evidence, which includes a significant amount of medical documentation, with the help of a medically trained assistant.
The prosecutor mentioned that further material involving DNA evidence would also be disclosed soon. A reference was made to a pill found at a hospital that tested positive for the woman’s DNA, raising further questions about her actions.
The charges against her, laid in January, include five counts of administering poison with intent to harm, three counts of preparing to commit crimes involving dangerous substances, and charges of torture, child exploitation, and fraud. Previously, it was revealed that her child has been hospitalised for tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a genetic disorder that leads to benign tumours. Prosecutors allege the woman administered multiple drugs to her child, leading to severe adverse effects, including a cardiac arrest incident that required resuscitation.
It was alleged that, on one occasion, she was seen manoeuvring a camera intended to monitor her child during a brain activity test to conceal her actions while administering medication through a nasogastric tube. This incident reportedly rendered the infant unconscious shortly after.
After the arrest on January 17, the woman was released on bail just over a week later. During a previous bail hearing, her solicitor asserted that she has not been convicted of any crimes and that the upcoming court proceedings could span two to three years. He emphasised her right to a fair trial, underlining that it is the responsibility of the police to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The matter has been adjourned, with a follow-up mention scheduled for August 1. For those seeking support, contact information for mental health services such as Lifeline and beyondblue is provided.