The Morningside Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU) has charged a 34-year-old Sunshine Coast woman with multiple offences, including torture and child exploitation, following an extensive investigation into the alleged poisoning of a one-year-old girl.
Authorities allege that between August 6 and October 15, 2024, the woman administered several unauthorized prescription and pharmacy medications to the child, who was known to her. These actions were carried out without any medical approval and against the advice of healthcare professionals.
Further investigations revealed that the woman obtained outdated and inappropriate medications intended for another individual within the household. She is accused of systematically concealing her actions while continuing to administer these substances. The situation came to light after medical staff at a hospital in Brisbane&rsquo;s south noticed concerning signs while treating the child and reported their suspicions to police on October 15, 2024.
Tragically, it is alleged the woman exploited the child&rsquo;s suffering by filming and sharing videos of the infant in visible distress. The content, purportedly showing the child&rsquo;s declining health, was allegedly used to solicit monetary donations and gain social media followers.
After receiving the initial report, police acted swiftly to ensure the safety of the child, who was immediately removed from harm. Subsequent testing confirmed the presence of unauthorized medications in the child&rsquo;s system on January 7, 2025.
On January 16, 2025, Morningside CPIU detectives arrested the woman at an Underwood residence. She now faces charges including five counts of administering poison with intent to harm, three counts of preparation to commit crimes involving dangerous substances, and individual counts of torture, making child exploitation material, and fraud.
The woman is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on January 17, 2025.
Detective Inspector Paul Dalton described the alleged offences as "abhorrent" and reaffirmed CPIU&rsquo;s commitment to protecting vulnerable children.
&ldquo;Working in CPIU, we are too often faced with the worst offences against children,&rdquo; said Dalton. &ldquo;We will do everything in our power to remove that child from harm&rsquo;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.&rdquo;
This case underscores the need for vigilance in protecting children from those who seek to exploit them for personal or financial gain.

34-year-old Sunshine Coast woman  in police custody (photo source social media)

Woman charged with torture and exploitation of child to gain followers and solicit funds online

Mother Accused of Poisoning Infant for Online Fame

Woman charged with torture and exploitation of child to gain followers and solicit funds online

January 16, 2025 | 18:02 IST