TikTok influencer appears in court over charges of poisoning child

A Queensland TikTok influencer charged with drugging her own baby has appeared in a Brisbane court, her lawyer seeking protective custody for the woman as she awaits a bail hearing.

A 34-year-old Sunshine Coast woman was arrested by police and charged with torture, making child exploitation material and fraud.

• GoFundMe refunds $60k in donations

A high-profile TikTok mum charged with drugging her own baby in an “abhorrent” scheme to gain money has appeared in person at a Brisbane court for the first time.

Her lawyer told Brisbane Arrests Court that he had concerns about her safety, given the media attention in the case, and requested she be sent into protective custody.

The 34-year-old Sunshine Coast woman, who cannot be named to protect the identity of her child, was arrested at an address south of Brisbane on Thursday morning.

Police will allege the woman administered several unauthorised prescription and pharmacy medicines to her one-year-old daughter, after going to lengths to obtain the unauthorised medicines.

Detective Inspector Paul Dalton told media on Thursday that it would be alleged the woman’s motive was financial gain through increasing social media views.

Police will allege the woman raised $60,000 between August 8 and October 15.

“We’ve been dealing with GoFundMe, I understand through my investigators that they are making attempts to repay that money to the people through the kindness of their heart who have donated that money,” he said.

“And we will be seeking that money back in restitution should she be convicted at a later date.”

It’s understood the allegations came to light after medical staff at a hospital in Brisbane’s south reported concerns to police.

The woman is charged with five counts of administering poison with intent to harm, three counts of preparation to commit crimes with dangerous things, and one count each of torture, making child exploitation material and fraud.

At the matter’s first mention in Brisbane’s Arrest Court on Friday morning, the woman was brought into the courtroom from the watch-house to appear in person.

Dressed in green watch-house attire, the woman’s demeanour was calm and quiet.

She stood throughout the proceedings with her hands clasped together in front of her.

Defence lawyer Mathew Cuskelly told the court he had instructions to apply for bail, but requested that the bail application be adjourned to next Friday.

He requested that police disclose CCTV footage and EEG video recording device prior to the application.

Police released footage of the woman’s arrest this week.

Magistrate Peter Saggers said Friday would be too busy to schedule the application, which the court heard could be lengthy.

He adjourned the application to Tuesday, January 28, at Brisbane Magistrates Court.

The woman was remanded in custody and will appear in person on that day.

Mr Cuskelly requested the woman be transferred to Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre in the meantime.

“I have concern with the regard to the safety of my client and I have mentioned to my friend (Prosecutor Jordan Theed) about my client going into protective custody,” Mr Cuskelly said.

Mr Saggers said assessments would be made in that regard by Corrective Services.

Mr Cuskelly made no comment to media outside court.

A woman, who came to court to support the accused, also denied to speak to media.

A friend of the influencer has broken her silence after the woman’s arrest.

The fellow TikToker, who became close with the 34-year-old woman online, said her heart was with the family.

“I am shattered that there has been confirmation now released and an arrest in what felt like an unbelievable situation,” the friend said.

“My heart is with the children, extended family and friends who will also deal with this traumatic situation for a long time.

“Thank you for all your support. I owe it to my community and the community who have leaned on me as we all navigate an incredibly heartbreaking reality that involved children we all grew to know and adore from birth to beyond.”

Originally published as TikTok influencer appears in court over charges of poisoning child