Mother’s Desperate Bid to Conceal Baby’s Tragic Fate: Shocking Twist in Stormwater Drain Discovery
- Vulnerable mother, unable to be named, charged with concealing birth of deceased child after baby’s body found in Perth stormwater drain
- Police allege baby boy’s body was in drain for short time before being discovered by two tradesmen on August 14
- Woman, accompanied by state-appointed guardian, appears in court for the first time, as investigation into baby’s death continues
In a heartbreaking development, a vulnerable mother has faced court for the first time, accused of hiding her baby’s body in a stormwater drain in Perth’s northeast. The woman, who cannot be named, was charged with concealing the birth of a deceased child after workers made the tragic discovery on August 14.
The 32-year-old, flanked by her lawyer Karen Farley and a state-appointed guardian from the Office of the Public Advocate, appeared distressed as she faced the Perth Magistrates Court. Her lawyer revealed that the guardian was appointed to the woman after she received care in hospital following the discovery of her baby.
In a sombre moment, the court heard that the baby boy’s body was not killed violently, but the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation. The two tradesmen who made the gruesome discovery were left shaken, and their lives will be forever changed by the event.
The community has been left reeling, with flowers and candles placed at the site where the baby was found. The defence lawyer asked for the matter to be adjourned for a committal mention hearing next year, scheduled for February 13.
The court previously heard that the woman had been hospitalised after coming forward to police and had been receiving care to support her mental health. As the investigation continues, the community remains in shock, grappling with the tragic fate of the innocent baby boy.