Ipswich parents separated from their children and charged with child abuse, assault

Two Ipswich parents have had their three children taken away after recent child abuse allegations, including that one of them assaulted their child at a local shopping centre.

Sad child, generic image. Picture: istock.

Two Ipswich parents have fronted court, charged with assaulting their children and failing to provide them with appropriate care.

Court documents have revealed the pair, who are in their 30s and cannot be named for legal reasons, were charged on November 7, 2022, for the alleged abuse.

They both stand charged that between July 1 and November 7, 2022, they were cruel to three children under the age of 16 in their care – causing harm by engaging in prescribed conduct (failing to provide the children with adequate accommodation and care) which they ought reasonably to have known would be likely to cause the children harm.

The woman was further charged with assaulting one of the children on an unknown date between August 1 and 31, 2022, causing the child bodily harm.

The man is charged with assaulting that same child on or about October 14, 2022, causing bodily harm.

All of the aforementioned charges allegedly occurred at their home in the Ipswich region.

The man was further charged with assaulting one of the children, causing bodily harm, at Booval Fair Shopping Centre on November 6, 2022 – the day before the duo was charged.

Court documents reveal the pair were granted immediate bail and both signed an undertaking, which stipulated they cannot have any contact or communication with the three children involved without permission from the Department of Child Safety.

Exterior picture of the Ipswich courthouse. Picture: David Clark

Both individuals were scheduled for committal mention in Ipswich Magistrates Court on January 13, 2023, and the woman attended court in person.

Crown prosecutor Connor Lovett told the court the arresting officer had requested six weeks to prepare a brief of evidence for the matter, which will outline all the evidence the prosecution will rely upon if the parents decide to contest the matter.

Magistrate Dennis Kinsella ordered a brief be provided by February 24 and the matter was adjourned to March 10.

Bail was enlarged for both defendants.