A popular Queensland social media influencer has been charged with a string of disturbing offences, including poisoning a one-year-old baby and exploiting the child for online fame.
The 34-year-old woman from the Sunshine Coast allegedly administered unauthorized prescription and pharmacy medicines to the child, making her sick, and then documented the baby’s health struggles on social media to gain donations and followers.
The Disturbing Accusations
Police claim that the influencer produced content featuring the sick child, exploiting the baby’s suffering to increase her online presence.
The allegations are particularly shocking, as the woman is accused of disregarding medical advice and obtaining unauthorised medicines, including old medications belonging to someone else in her home.
These medicines were then given to the child, causing immense distress and pain.
How the Abuse Was Discovered
The abuse was finally detected when medical staff at a Brisbane hospital reported their concerns to the police during one of the child’s hospital stays in October last year.
The police investigation revealed that the woman had been secretly administering the unauthorized medicines to the child, filming, and posting videos of the baby’s suffering online.
Police Response to the Allegations
Detective Inspector Paul Dalton condemned the alleged offences, stating that they were “abhorrent” and that the police would do everything in their power to protect the child and hold the offender accountable.
“There is no excuse for harming a child, especially not a one-year-old infant who is reliant on others for care and survival,” he said.
Charges and Next Steps
The social media influencer has been 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, making child exploitation material, and fraud.
She is expected to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday. The police have ensured that the child is safe, and the investigation is ongoing.