Alleged cancer scammer Ben Miller blocked from seeing children and partner
The father who allegedly shaved his son’s head in a grotesque $60,000 cancer scam has been blocked from seeing his children.
A dad who allegedly shaved his son’s head and eyebrows in a grotesque cancer scam will be blocked from seeing his children and co-accused partner as the case against him moves forward.
Ben Miller appeared at Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on Friday charged with an act likely to cause harm and deceiving others for personal gain in the alleged scam that has garnered headlines around the world.
Police allege he and partner Michelle Bodzsar shaved their six-year-old son’s head and eyebrows and placed him in a wheelchair with bandages to imitate stereotactic radiotherapy treatment, soliciting funds from sympathetic parents and businesses.
“Our investigation has confirmed the child is not seeking medical treatment,” police said in a press conference after charges were laid.
“We believe this farce illness is causing significant and serious psychological harm to the child and their sibling.
The pair’s two children have been removed from their custody and a nominated relative will provide short term care, police added.
Police claim the pair swindled $60,000 in the alleged scam, which has gone viral around the world, with reports on the case appearing in Dutch, Italian and US media.
Mr Miller and Ms Bodzsar have not yet entered pleas and both have applied for bail.
Ms Bodzsar remains on remand and her bail application is expected to be decided in early January.
On Friday, Magistrate Alison Adair granted Mr Miller freedom to roam in the community as his court proceedings progress, but imposed a sweep of strict conditions.
He is prevented from seeing his two children and Ms Bodzsar, must report to a police station twice a week, is barred from visiting an airport and must wear an electronic bracelet.
He will leave custody on Friday and return to court for a charge determination hearing on March 18.