Update in case of QLD influencer accused of drugging her baby

News.com.au

5 hours ago

A social media influencer accused of poisoning her baby had so many medical documents that her solicitor had to bring in specialist staff, a magistrate has heard.
Queensland Police claim that a 34-year-old woman, whose name is not being released due to legal reasons, allegedly gave her one-year-old child unauthorised prescription and pharmacy medications between August and October 2024 to boost her social media profile and secure $60,000 in donations.
The Sunshine Coast woman is currently on bail and was not required to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday when her charges were mentioned.
Her solicitor, Mathew Cuskelly, appeared by phone and told magistrate Anthony Gett that he was seeking a further adjournment, according to AAP.
'We continue to review the brief (of evidence) … I have recruited an assistant with a medical background who is reviewing quite a voluminous amount of medical documentation,' Mr Cuskelly said.
'It is quite a large and complex brief.'
DNA evidence to be disclosed
The prosecutor did not object to the adjournment and stated that there was further material to disclose, including DNA evidence.
'It relates to a pill seized from the hospital that was sent for DNA testing, and the interim report was returned detecting the DNA of the defendant,' the prosecutor said.
In January, the mother was charged with 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 and making child exploitation material and fraud.
Prosecutors have told the woman's previous bail hearing that the infant had been hospitalised due to tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a genetic condition that causes benign tumours in multiple organs.
'Avoid detection'
Jack Scott, the crown prosecutor, previously informed magistrate Stephen Courtney that the woman had refused to acknowledge her infant had a manageable, non-fatal condition and had administered multiple drugs to the infant.
'Her actions have created a serious extra symptom … on one occasion, a code blue cardiac arrest requiring resuscitation,' he said.
Mr Scott had previously claimed that on October 3, 2024, the woman had moved a video camera monitoring the infant during a brain activity test in order to 'avoid detection' of her actions.
'She was captured on footage with a syringe. She administered via the nasogastric tube (attached to the infant). She used the opportunity while hidden by a blanket,' he alleged.
'About 30 to 40 minutes after this incident, (the infant) was rendered completely unconscious.'
'Entitled to a fair trial'
Mr Scott claimed that the various drugs the mum gave to the baby may have led to unnecessary brain surgery, aimed at finding the cause of the seizures.
Previously, the defence solicitor had told Mr Courtney that an email from health authorities stated the child was still experiencing symptoms of seizures.
Mr Cuskelly has argued that his client has never been convicted of any crime and is currently facing a court case that could last for two to three years.
'My client is entitled to a fair trial. Police have the onus to establish beyond reasonable doubt,' he said at a previous bail hearing.
The woman was granted bail 11 days after her arrest on January 17.
On Monday, Mr Gett adjourned the matter until a further mention on August 1.