Criminal neglect accused Emma Jade Short asks court to see kids

The mother accused of criminal neglect after her toddler was rushed to hospital with serious burns and meth in his urine has been granted permission to see her children.

The mother charged after her two-year-old son was rushed to hospital with serious burns to his body, bruises on his genitalia and meth in his urine has been granted permission to see her children.

Emma Jade Short, 34, of Freeling, made an application in the Adelaide Magistrates Court, through her lawtyer David Moen, to see her four children.

With the application unopposed by the prosecution, Chief Magistrate, Judge Mary-Louise Hribal approved it, allowing the variation to her bail conditions which is under the proviso she do so while supervised.

Hours after the application was heard, Ms Short emerged from the courthouse before dashing across busy Angas Street, halting traffic as she tried to avoid cameras.

As she performed the cartwheel, her mother and stepfather, who supported her in court, waved goodbye to the cameras.

Emma Short, mother of Jimmy, leaves Adelaide Magistrates Court. Photographer Emma Brasier

Ms Short was charged in August alongside her partner and brother-in-law Rodney David Clough after the two-year-old, Little Jimmy*, was taken to a Blair Athol medical centre and his injuries were discovered.

During an application for bail, the Elizabeth Magistrates Court heard Ms Short had taken the boy to the doctor’s, wrapped in a blanket, and covered in burns consistent with him being submerged in boiling water.

Later, Ms Short, through counsel David Moen, said there was a mere three-minute window in which the alleged neglect could have occurred.

Mr Moen said, as a result, Ms Short would be contesting the charge given there was “no way” she could have contributed to Jimmy’s injuries in that space of time.

Ms Short was bailed to live at her mother’s house a week later after prosecutors withdrew a move to block her release at the 11th hour.

Emma Short, mother of Little Jimmy, leaves Adelaide Magistrates Court. Photographer Emma Brasier

Little Jimmy. Picture: Supplied

Rodney David Clough, who has been charged with the criminal neglect of his nephew. Picture: Facebook

She had another run in with the cameras that day, frantically calling her mum to ask to be picked up to avoid media.

Co-accused Clough initially faced the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court for the first time on the charge, but did not apply for bail.

Later, his criminal history was detailed by his counsel, Andrew Williams, as he pleaded guilty to a series of bail breaches and driving offences.

During his plea, Mr Williams told the court he had spent 18-months behind bars in 2012 after being convicted of causing the serious injury of another person while driving dangerously.

Neither Ms Short or Clough have entered pleas to the criminal neglect charge with Clough next facing court in November.

Ms Short will next face court in December.

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