Woman charged with criminal neglect after 3-year-old child seriously injured at Hackham West

The horrific injuries left the 3-year-old boy recovering in hospital for two weeks.

SA Police’s Detective Chief Inspector Mark McEachern. Picture: Keryn Stevens

A three-year-old boy was left burnt from head to toe, bruised all over with internal injuries so severe he needed to be intubated in hospital after he was allegedly abused in the southern suburbs.

The boy was conveyed to hospital on September 19 from his address at Hackham West after a member of the public alerted authorities to his injuries.

On Saturday, Detective Chief Inspector Mark McEachern from Southern District CIB told media the boy was burnt to his face, inside his mouth and all over his body, bitten, and sustained “terrible injuries”.

A 3-year-old boy has been allegedly abused and neglected at a Hackham West home. Picture: File

“We are fortunate it will not be a homicide, unfortunately that is how many of these cases end up … the little boy had to be intubated, such was the extent of his injuries,” Detective Inspector McEachern said.

“The three-year-old spent two weeks in (the Women’s and Children’s) hospital in relation to the injuries, and has got a long road to recovery ahead of him.

“We do know that injuries preceded the 19th (of September).”

In the early hours of September 20, police arrested an 18-year-old woman – known to the family – who was babysitting the boy and his younger brother on that date.

The woman was charged with aggravated cause serious harm with intent and criminal neglect and was released on home detention bail after her first hearing before the court, and will appear again in January 2025.

Picture: File

The Advertiser understands that the Hackham West family has moved out of the home.

A neighbour said they didn’t see the children leave the house often.

On the day of the arrest, the neighbour also saw up to eight police cars and two ambulances.

Detective McEachern said the younger brother, who was 18-months-old, sustained a “minor” bite mark to his face, and the three-year-old was “covered” in bite marks.

Both boys have been placed under the protection of the Department for Child Protection.

The woman has not been charged in relation to this injury and investigations are ongoing.

South Australia Police are continuing to investigate the incident and making inquiries into the injuries that pre-date September 19, and said there has been “limited co-operation from the people close to the little boy”.

The family was not previously known to the Department or SAPOL.

Detective McEachern said Police are appealing to the public for any information that could aid this investigation, particularly those who may have visited the Hackham West home prior to September 20.

If you can be of assistance, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.