High-Profile Mother Charged with Torturing a Baby to Solicit Donations
A well-known mother in Australia has been accused of torturing her one-year-old daughter and posting videos to solicit monetary donations and gain followers. Authorities believe she intentionally harmed the child to evoke sympathy and financial support.
Queensland Police stated that the 34-year-old woman gave the child unauthorized prescription and pharmacy medicines over three months. She allegedly sought these drugs despite knowing their risks. During this time, she documented the infant’s illness online, portraying herself as a struggling mother.
Investigators suspect she exaggerated or fabricated details to increase donations. Police are reviewing financial records to determine if she personally benefited from the funds raised.
Using a Child’s Suffering to Solicit Monetary Donations
On October 15, doctors admitted the girl to a Brisbane hospital in critical condition and alerted the police.
Police say the woman obtained unauthorized medications and hid her actions using leftover medicine from another household member.
“The child suffered immense pain while the woman allegedly filmed and posted videos,” police stated. “The content exploited the child for donations and followers.”
Arrested and Facing Serious Charges
Following extensive investigations, police took the woman into custody at a house in Underwood on Thursday morning.
She faces multiple charges, including 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, producing child exploitation material, and fraud.
Authorities claim she raised A$60,000 (£30,500) through GoFundMe donations, which the platform is now working to refund.
Inspector Paul Dalton condemned the case, calling the alleged crimes “repulsive” and emphasizing law enforcement’s commitment to protecting the child and ensuring accountability.
“Harming a child is inexcusable, especially a one-year-old infant who is entirely dependent on others for care and survival,” he stated.
The woman is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday.