A 34-year-old Australian social media influencer from Queensland has been charged with torture after police alleged she poisoned her 12-month-old daughter to generate online content and solicit donations, Stuff has reported.
The woman, who frequently shared details of her family life on social media, had been under investigation since last year when authorities were alerted to one of her children undergoing medical treatment. The child was later removed from her parents’ custody following concerns of alleged harm.
According to police, the woman administered unauthorised prescription and pharmacy medications to the infant without medical approval between 6 August and 15 October 2023.
“It will be further alleged the woman, disregarding medical advice, went to lengths to obtain unauthorised medicines, including old medications for a different person available in their home,” police said in a statement, according to Stuff.
Investigators allege she concealed her actions until the matter was reported by medical staff at a hospital in Brisbane’s south, where the child had been admitted.
“While the child was being subject to immense distress and pain, it is alleged the woman filmed and posted videos of the child,” the statement continued. “It is alleged the content produced exploited the child and was used to entice monetary donations and online followers.”
Medical staff reported the suspected harm on 15 October, and subsequent tests confirmed the presence of unauthorised medications on 7 January.
The woman is now facing charges, including five counts of administering poison with intent to harm, three counts of preparation to commit crimes involving dangerous substances, and one count each of torture, fraud, and creating child exploitation material.
She is scheduled to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday.
Detective Inspector Paul Dalton described the alleged offences as “abhorrent,” emphasising the commitment of child protection investigators to safeguarding vulnerable children.
“Working in CPIU, we are too often faced with the worst offences against children,” Dalton said. “We will do everything in our power to remove that child from harm’s way and hold any offender to account.
“There is no excuse for harming a child, especially not a one-year-old infant who is reliant on others for care and survival, Stuff quoted.”
The family cannot be identified under Queensland law, and the matter remains under the jurisdiction of child protection authorities.
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