Queensland woman in court over alleged torture of four-year-old
A Queensland woman allegedly tortured a four-year-old girl for nearly a year, with police telling a court the child’s injuries were among the worst they have seen.
A woman accused of torturing a four-year-old girl for nearly a year allegedly left her suffering burns, fractures and disfigurement, with a senior police officer claiming the injuries were “among the worst I’ve seen”
The 32-year-old, whose identity has been withheld to protect the child, was arrested on January 24 following a high-risk missing person investigation and had her case mentioned in court on Wednesday.
Police allege the abuse occurred between March 2024 and January 2025 with the woman attempting to conceal the child and her injuries by moving her between multiple addresses around the Logan area.
Prior to the arrest, police launched Operation Xray Cinder after receiving a tip-off about a young girl suffering significant injuries.
The investigation led to the discovery of the child on January 9, after what police described as an “exhaustive search” involving Logan Child Protection and Investigation Unit and general duties officers.
Upon being found, the girl was taken to Logan Hospital, where medical staff allegedly documented extensive injuries, including bruising, burns, fractures, and disfigurement.
Following the woman’s arrest, Detective Acting Inspector Kent Ellis expressed his shock at the severity of the girl’s injuries.
“The alleged physical abuse this little girl endured is amongst the worst I have seen in my career,” Insp Ellis said.
“Her injuries are horrific and highlight the unimaginable suffering she has experienced.
He said the efforts of the officers and detectives involved had “saved this child’s life”.
The woman faces 29 charges, including six counts of assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence offence), one count of grievous bodily harm (domestic violence offence), one count of torture (domestic violence offence), and multiple drug-related offences.
Her lawyer, Adriane Hillier, told the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Wednesday she had received a partial brief of evidence from prosecutors but was still awaiting outstanding medical records.
She requested an adjournment to allow time for the additional material to be provided.
“I understand the brief is quite voluminous,” Ms Hillier said.
Magistrate Gary Finger granted the request and adjourned the matter until May 7.
The woman has yet to enter any pleas and remains in custody.
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