A 34-year-old woman from Australia has been charged with torture after police accused her of administering unauthorized medication to a 1-year-old girl and posting videos of the child in “immense distress and pain” to solicit donations and increase her social media following.
The woman was arrested on Thursday in Underwood, located in eastern Australia.
She faces several charges: five counts of administering poison with intent to harm, three counts of preparation to commit crimes with dangerous items, and one count each of torture, making child exploitation material, and fraud.
The individual charges carry potential sentences ranging from five to 20 years in prison.
Detective Inspector Paul Dalton announced at a news conference on Thursday that the child is now “safe” and doing “well.”
Queensland Police reported that the woman fraudulently raised just over 60,000 Australian dollars (approximately $37,000) from donors.
While authorities did not disclose the names of the woman or child or clarify their relationship, they did mention that the infant “was known to” the woman. The police did not provide any details regarding her legal representation.
Police arrested the woman Thursday in Underwood, eastern Australia, and charged her 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.
The individual charges can carry sentences of between five and 20 years of imprisonment. Detective Inspector Paul Dalton said at a news conference Thursday that the child is now “safe” and doing “well.”
Queensland Police said the woman raised just above 60,000 Australian dollars ($37,000) from donors fraudulently.
Authorities did not name the woman or child or specify their relationship, but they said the infant “was known to” the woman. Police did not give information about her legal representation.
“There is no excuse for harming a child, especially not a one-year-old infant who is reliant on others for care and survival,” DI Dalton said.
“We will do everything in our power to remove that child from harm’s way and hold any offender to account.”
