Little Jimmy, alleged criminal neglect victim, still in hospital

The condition of a little boy who was allegedly ”submerged in boiling water” is unknown with several government departments unable to comment on his status.

The two-year-old boy at the centre of a criminal neglect investigation is still in hospital nine days after he was allegedly scalded with hot water and found to have meth in his urine.

Jimmy* was taken to hospital after his mother, Emma Jade Short, who is charged with criminal neglect, took him to a Blair Athol medical centre where he was allegedly found with severe burns to his face and body, bruises and with meth in his urine.

SA Police, SA Health and the Child Protection Department were tight lipped over the boy’s condition.

When asked, spokespeople for all three said they were unable to comment whether he was still in hospital or about what level of care he was receiving, citing reasons including an ongoing police investigation and legislative limitations.

An online post from the boy’s grandmother indicated he was initially taken into the Intensive Care Unit, but that he had recently been moved to a general care ward.

The two-year-old alleged victim of criminal neglect at the hands of his mother and uncle. Picture: Facebook

A Child Protection Department spokeswoman said support for Jimmy* was ongoing.

“The (department) is working closely with SA Police and SA Health to ensure the safety of the child and support him,” she said.

“The department is unable to comment on individual matters.

“Under the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017, case-related information must be kept confidential.”

Similarly, an SA Health spokeswoman said they were unable to provide a condition update for the boy.

Emma Short, who has been charged with criminal neglect of her two-year-old son, Jimmy. Picture: Facebook

The boy’s 40-year-old uncle Rodney David Clough, as well as Ms Short, were remanded in prison on the allegations they criminally neglected him.

The Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Monday heard the boy was inspected by a forensic paediatrician who concluded his burns were consistent with being submerged in boiling water.

The court heard the paediatrician also noted bruising on the little boy’s lower back, forehead and genitalia while meth was detected in his urine and tests were ongoing into whether he had suffered brain injuries “due to a lack of oxygen as a result of being submerged in water”.

No pleas had been entered by either Ms Short or Mr Clough.

*The Advertiser has chosen to use a pseudonym for the alleged victim.