A 33-year-old woman, Emily Jean Taylor-Renolds, has received a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to supplying methamphetamine to a 13-year-old boy and sexually assaulting him at the instigation of her then-partner, Michael Anthony Holbeck. The pair involved the boy in degrading acts during his visits to their home in Queensland from October 2018. Prosecutors labelled Taylor-Renolds’ actions as “disgraceful,” highlighting Holbeck’s significant influence in coercing the child into sexual activities and substance use.
During the Brisbane Supreme Court hearing, it was revealed that the boy suffered severe psychological effects from the abuse, leading to homelessness, trust issues, and thoughts of self-harm. Taylor-Renolds, who expressed remorse and sobbed in court, was ultimately sentenced to two years in prison, which was wholly suspended for two years, and placed under probation for 12 months. Justice Lincoln Crowley acknowledged her mental health struggles and history of exploitation but emphasised that she willingly participated in the acts and contributed to the boy’s profound distress. Holbeck had previously received a three-year sentence for his role in the abuses. Taylor-Renolds made no comments as she left the court.