Aussie social media influencer charged with drugging torture of 1yo child likely to move to protective custody

An Australian social media influencer charged with the torture of her child – allegedly by poisoning the one-year-old to gain online followers and donations – will likely be moved to protective custody over concerns for her safety. The Sunshine Coast woman, 34, was arrested on Thursday following a protracted investigation into allegations the infant was given medications against the advice of medical professionals. The social media influencer was dressed in green prison overalls and briefly smiled as she entered Brisbane Arrests Court on Friday. A female supporter also appeared in court, seated in the front row. The 36-year-old woman is facing five counts of administering poison with intent to harm, three counts of preparation to commit crimes with dangerous things and one count each of torture, making child exploitation material and fraud. Police allege the woman administered “unauthorised” prescription and pharmacy medications to her one-year-old girl without medical approval between August 6 and October 16, 2024. It is further alleged the woman – in defiance of medical advice – went to lengths to obtain the medicines, including sourcing old ones meant for a different person inside the home. “Later investigations are alleged to have uncovered the woman carefully concealed her continued efforts to administer the unauthorised medicines until the matter was detected and reported to police by medical staff from a hospital in Brisbane’s south while the child was admitted,” Queensland Police said in a statement. Police further allege the child was subject to “immense distress and pain” while the woman filmed and posted videos of the child online, allegedly to entice monetary donations and online followers. During the first mention of her charges on Friday, the woman said nothing as her matter was adjourned, with her solicitor flagging a bail application would occur. Defence lawyer Mathew Cuskelly said he had only recently received the police’s affidavit objecting to bail. “I just don’t want to bring on a premature bail application,” he said as officials tried to find a date. The court was told some CCTV contained in the police’s case would need to be disclosed to him as part of the brief. Mr Cuskelly also flagged he wanted Corrective Services to place the woman in protective custody, due to the “publicity” of the matter. “There are some concerns for her safety,” he said. The woman will return to Brisbane Magistrates Court on January 28 for a bail application. She remained standing throughout her first appearance, where the supporter briefly blew kisses as she was led back down into the cells. Outside, Mr Cuskelly and the female supporter did not comment as media followed them out. During a press conference following the woman’s arrest on Thursday, Detective Inspector Paul Dalton labelled the alleged offences as “abhorrent”. “There is no excuse for harming a child, especially not a one-year-old infant who is reliant on others for care and survival,” he said.