‘Concerns for her safety’: Charged influencer wants protection in jail
A Queensland influencer charged with the torture of her baby will remain in custody for more than a week, with her lawyer pushing for her to be put in protective custody over concerns for her safety.
On Friday morning, the 34-year-old Sunshine Coast mother appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court wearing prison issued clothing, and appearing to talk to a supporter in the room.
The woman was on Thursday arrested and charged by child protection detectives with a range of offences including administering poison with intent to harm, torture, making child exploitation material, and fraud.
A Queensland mother stands accused of torturing her daughter to boost her social media presence. Police allege the woman, a social media influencer, poisoned her daughter to solicit donations and followers.Credit: QPS
Medical experts said the one-year-old child suffered such “severe emotional and physical distress” that she could have died, police will allege.
It is alleged the crimes occurred between August 6 and October 15 last year. Police allege the mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, committed the crimes to solicit about $60,000 in donations, and gain followers online.
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In court, her lawyer, Mathew Cuskelly, asked for the matter to be adjourned, and requested police to disclose copies of CCTV.
He said he would be making an application for bail.
“I ask that she be transported out to Womens Correctional Centre given she’s in the watch house,” he said.
