Mum who left her baby in Blacktown backyard knew the family who lived there

The 35-year-old mother who left her newborn baby abandoned in a Blacktown backyard was worried about being deported, police have revealed.

The mother of an abandoned baby girl was known to the family who discovered the newborn on their back patio in Blacktown.

The Saturday Telegraph revealed last month a woman came forward to police, and on Thursday DNA tests results revealed the 35-year-old woman was the mother.

The woman was known to the family living in the Girra Rd property.

The Saturday Telegraph learned this week the woman had not long arrived in Australia and had been on a working visa.

Authorities believe the woman had been concerned she would be deported if immigration officials became aware she was pregnant or that she had a baby.

It is believed the woman delivered the baby in the home before leaving it in the backyard with the intention the newborn would be found.

It is understood the occupants of the house were not aware she was pregnant nor that she had given birth.

DNA testing has identified the mum of the baby abandoned in a Blacktown backyard in April.

Police talk to Anne Carlos and her sister Lara, who found the baby. Picture: Julian Andrews

Mrs Karlos, pictured with her own 11-month-old daughter Skye, had to tie off the abandoned baby’s umbilical cord. Picture: Gaye Gerard

Blacktown Police Area Commander Acting Superintendent Jason Pietruszka told The Saturday Telegraph on Friday that, following extensive inquiries, a 35-year-old woman had been identified as the mother of the child.

“The matter is under the responsibility of the Department of Communities and Justice and will be heard at a children’s court,” Supt Pietruszka said.

“Officers from Blacktown Police Area Command thank the media and the community who expressed their support and assisted with the ­investigation.

“In the interest of the woman and child’s right to privacy, no further information will be provided in relation to this matter.”

A Department of Communities and Justice spokeswoman said the baby girl was “happy and healthy” and with a foster carer.

“We are grateful to police, child protection services and NSW healthcare workers ­involved in this case — without them, the outcome could have been tragic,” the spokeswoman said.

In the days after the baby girl’s discovery on April 21, Anne Carlos recounted the distressing moment her sister Lara heard faint cries while hanging out washing on Friday afternoon, and discovered an hours-old baby — unclothed and still covered in fluids — on an outdoor chair.

Mrs Carlos revealed how paramedics instructed her over the phone how to tie off the baby’s umbilical cord.

Mrs Carlos, her mother and sister then cuddled the crying baby and dressed her until paramedics and police arrived.

At the time, Supt Pietruszka urged the mum coming forward did not mean she had to care for the baby.

“We want her not to panic or feel pressured, but to know there are options,” he said.

“We want her to have the chance to be in the baby’s life in some small way, to have the option or at least just to know that her baby is doing well.”

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