An Australian woman has been arrested and charged after poisoning a one-year-old baby and posting videos of the distressed infant on social media to gain followers and donations, according to a report. cnnThe unidentified 34-year-old woman, from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, allegedly gave “numerous unauthorized prescriptions and pharmacy medications” to a girl she knew without medical approval from August 6 to October 15, 2024.
The woman has been reported in local media as the mother of the child but the police have not officially confirmed this. She is accused of raising more than $37,000 through GoFundMe by publicizing the child’s plight. After reports of her fraud surfaced, the online fundraising platform is now working to return the money to donors.
“Proactive refunds are being issued to all donors as part of our ongoing commitment to protecting Australian generosity,” a GoFundMe spokesperson said. ABC News.
According to Queensland Police, the woman ignored medical advice regarding the child’s health condition and was admitted to hospital. She made every effort to obtain unauthorized medicines and administered them to the infant, whose condition did not improve.
Her fraudulent plot was exposed when medical staff at the Brisbane hospital where the child was being treated for a serious medical condition became suspicious of the woman and called the police.
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Police are investigating
After taking steps for the safety of the child, the police started preparing a case. They spoke to medical experts, analyzed the woman’s social media footprint and conducted tests that revealed the presence of unauthorized medication in the child’s system.
“There are no words to describe how despicable crimes of this nature are,” Queensland Detective Inspector Paul Dalton told reporters.
“There is no excuse for hurting a child, especially one so young who is completely dependent on adults for their care and love.”
Police said the accused has been charged with five counts of poisoning with intent to cause harm, three counts of preparing to commit a crime with dangerous substances and one each of torture, making material for child abuse and cheating.
The woman is due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday (January 17).
