Sunshine Coast mother arrested, charged with cruelty, assault against 11-month-old baby

A baby is in hospital and his mother in custody after harrowing allegations of cruelty against her “totally defenceless” boy came to light on the Sunshine Coast. *Distressing.

The woman applied for bail in Maroochydore Magistrates Court this week charged with child cruelty and assault. Pictured is a generic photo.

A Sunshine Coast mother has been refused bail after “disturbing” allegations she tortured her 11-month-old baby.

The woman in her 30s, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the child, could be seen on video link from the watch-house holding her hands up to block her ears as Maroochydore Magistrates Court heard about her alleged “deplorable” acts.

Police prosecutor Spencer Green objected to the release of the woman who was charged with one count each of cruelty to children and assault.

She also faced two charges of possessing dangerous drugs and one of possessing drug utensils.

Senior Constable Green said it would be alleged there were 11 instances where the 11-month-old child was subjected to “disturbing” cruelty and harm by his own mother.

He also said police alleged this week the woman possibly threw the baby to the ground with a witness observing the mother standing over the boy as if he was either thrown or dropped to the floor.

The woman allegedly picked up the child and threw him 160cm towards a chair where the baby landed, the prosecutor claimed.

A witness allegedly intervened to protect the baby however the court was told the woman “stripped off” and threatened self-harm, the court was told.

The court heard when the child was given back out of fear, the woman allegedly hung him upside down and shook him up and down.

It was further alleged the witness took the baby back from the woman and into a room, however it was there they observed blisters on the boy, either due to neglect or him being put through the “harrowing ordeal”.

The woman was also allegedly observed swearing at the child, calling him a “c**t”, a “dog” and telling him to “f***ing shut up”.

“Irrespective of being intoxicated, these aren’t generally words that you should use to anybody, particularly our most vulnerable, which in this case is an 11-month-old baby, who I would suggest, has no voice, is unable to defend,” Snr Const. Green said.

“Totally defenceless against this kind of behaviour, which is deplorable.”

The court was told the woman recently moved to the area from North Queensland and was living in a share house when witnesses intervened to help the baby who was currently at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital undergoing tests.

The woman applied for bail in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court. Picture: Patrick Woods

Child Protection and Investigation Unit detectives would receive the results in the coming days to find out the extent of the child’s injuries and the baby has since been placed in foster care.

Snr Const. Green said it was clear there were mental health issues at play in relation to the mother and she needed to stay in custody to receive professional help.

He told the court the woman also had a history of breaching bail conditions and court orders.

Duty lawyer Madalyn Olivero said the woman, who had three other children who were not in her care, could be bailed to live in Brisbane and would abide by strict bail conditions. She would also obtain a mental health care plan.

Magistrate Raelene Ellis however was not swayed due to the woman’s criminal history, her risk of committing more offences and past bail breaches.

Bail was refused and the case will return to court in August.

If this story has raised issues for you, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Originally published as Sunshine Coast mother arrested, charged with cruelty, assault against 11-month-old baby