Influencer Accused of Torturing Infant for Social Media Fame in Brisbane

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A 34-year-old woman in Queensland, Australia, has been charged with severe offenses including torture and child exploitation after allegedly manipulating the health of her one-year-old daughter to gain online fame and financial support. The Brisbane magistrates court heard that the accused, whose identity is withheld for legal reasons, was implicated in administering multiple drugs to her child, leading to cardiac arrest and unnecessary brain surgery.

According to Crown prosecutor Jack Scott, the woman filmed her child's distress and posted the footage online, attracting donations from followers. The infant had been suffering from tuberous sclerosis complex, a manageable condition that typically does not cause life-threatening complications. Prosecutors allege that the woman administered non-prescribed medication and manipulated hospital monitoring systems in a calculated effort to exacerbate her daughter's symptoms.

Scott presented evidence, including CCTV footage from a hospital that allegedly captured the woman administering drugs to the child. He stressed that her actions resulted in life-threatening complications, which would not have occurred without her interference.

The prosecutor opposed the woman's bail request, arguing that she posed a risk of reoffending if released. Scott expressed concerns that the accused might continue to fabricate medical issues for the child, who is now in care. The defense, led by Mathew Cuskelly, proposed strict bail conditions, including limited supervised contact with the child.

While the magistrate acknowledged that the prosecution’s case appeared strong, he noted the complexity of the situation and the potential length of time before the trial could occur. The woman is set to appear via video link for a decision on her bail.

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