Woman tortured, neglected four-year-old for months, police allege
By Rex Martinich
A woman assaulted, tortured and neglected a four-year-old girl over 10 months, leaving her at risk of being “permanently injured”, police say.
The woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, had her case mentioned for the first time on Wednesday at Beenleigh Magistrates Court, south of Brisbane.
Details of the child abuse allegations were contained in court documents for 29 charges brought against the 32-year-old after her arrest in late January.
The girl was taken to Logan Hospital, where police alleged medical staff documented extensive injuries.
Police allege the woman committed torture, grievous bodily harm and six counts of assault with bodily harm as domestic violence offences against the girl at the Logan suburb of Slacks Creek between March 4, 2024, and January 9 this year.
Court documents also alleged that during the same period, the woman failed to give the girl the necessities of life, in a manner that left her “likely to be permanently injured”.
The accused woman’s mother was in the court’s public gallery during the brief mention on Wednesday.
The woman, who has been remanded in custody, was not required to appear in the courtroom.
Defence solicitor Gemma Lawless, from the firm Tempest Legal, told Magistrate Shane Elliott she would no longer be representing the woman.
“The defendant has advised you?” Elliott asked. “A W Bale and Son [law firm] will be taking carriage,” Lawless replied.
Elliott adjourned the matter for the woman to appear in Beenleigh Magistrates Court via videolink from Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre on April 2.
Logan Child Protection and Investigation Unit detectives previously alleged they launched a major probe, code named Operation Xray Cinder, into the woman after receiving a tip-off regarding a young girl suffering significant injuries.
The child was transported to Logan Hospital, where police alleged medical staff documented extensive injuries, including bruising, burns, fractures and disfigurement.
Detective Acting Inspector Kent Ellis at the time claimed the actions of uniformed police and investigators had saved the child’s life.
“The alleged physical abuse this little girl endured is amongst the worst I have seen in my career,” Ellis said.
“Her injuries are horrific and highlight the unimaginable suffering she has experienced.”
Investigators alleged the woman tried to conceal the child and her injuries by moving her to various addresses.
The woman was also charged with 18 counts of supplying cannabis between April 2023 and late December 2024, and with possessing scales, clip-seal bags and a mobile phone suspected of being used in drug crimes.
If you or someone you know needs help, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14, beyondblue on 1300 22 4636, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).
AAP