Child carer in court for negligence causing harm

A Logan carer has faced court for negligence after she refused to get medical attention for a 10-month-old baby in her care who suffered severe burns and “permanent scarring” after being left on a stovetop.

A child carer has faced court after she refused to seek medical treatment for a baby with serious burns after the child was left on a stovetop. Picture: AAP/Richard Walker

A Logan carer has faced court for negligence after she placed a 10-month-old baby in her care on a stovetop ending leading to the baby suffering permanent scarring and having to undergo skin graphing.

The Underwood woman pleaded guilty in Beenleigh Magistrates Court today, November 30, to one count of negligence causing harm.

The court heard that on June 1 the 58-year-old woman, who cannot be named, was in the kitchen preparing dinner for three children who were in her care at the time.

“The (10-month-old baby) has started making noises, indicating distress,” police prosecutor Sergeant Climba Hill said.

“She has picked her up to settle (the child).

“She’s then picked up a Bumbo seat (baby seat) and placed it on the stove in the kitchen, the stove was off.”

The court heard she continued to face her back to the baby, working at the sink.

“(The baby) has reached for the knobs and she has turned the stove on,” Sergeant Hill said.

“The seat has melted and burnt the victim’s buttocks.”

The court heard she refused to get the baby medical attention and instead chose to administer Sudocrem (a soothing cream for babies) as treatment.

“She’s continued to apply it every day without seeking medical attention,” Sergeant Hill said.

On June 3 the carer went to a doctor for treatment for the other two children’s respiratory illnesses.

“She reported she had burnt the victim to the doctor and she was referred to the hospital,” she said.

“She said she was sorry and would inform child safety.

“The victim was presented to the children’s hospital.”

The court heard the victim suffered severe burns to her buttocks and was required to have skin grafting surgery which resulted in permanent scarring.

“She did not seek medical attention due to fear of losing custody of the children,” Sergeant Hill said.

“The burns to the victim’s buttocks would have caused pain and discomfort.

“It was considered to be neglect.”

Her lawyer, Finlay Weston, said his client regretted her decisions.

“She completely underestimated the severity of the injuries,” Mr Weston said.

“Her judgements were clouded by the concerns of what would happen with child safety.

“She has suffered immense guilt and ultimately depression.”

Magistrate Michael O’Driscoll said her actions were concerning.

“It was a very young child,” Mr O’Driscoll said.

“Even though the stove may not have been on to begin with, it is concerning.

“That was an error of judgement on the first occasion.

“The second error of judgement was that you did not seek medical attention for the burns on the child.”

Mr O’Driscoll read the material submitted by the doctor who saw the child.

“There are deep partial thickness contact burns to her left buttock and a superficial burn to her left buttocks,” he said.

“The burn would have been immediately painful.

“The pain would have been less extensive if there was treatment or first aid administered directly after the burn.”

Mr O’Driscoll said her role as a carer for children was poor.

“They don’t want you to be a kinship carer again,” he said.

“Your conduct in relation to this event is a matter of concern for the community, child safety and children in general.”

She was fined $2500.

No convictions were recorded.