An Australian woman has been charged with poisoning a one-year-old girl and posting her videos online to garner views and donations, Queensland Police said.
According to media reports, she is a social media influencer.
The police said in a statement: “It will be alleged between August 6 to October 15, 2024, a 34-year-old Sunshine Coast woman administered several unauthorised prescription and pharmacy medicines to a one-year-old girl, who was known to her, without medical approval.”
“It will be further alleged the woman, disregarding medical advice, went to lengths to obtain unauthorised medicines, including old medicines for a different person available in their home,” the statement said.
Police did not identify the name of the woman.
Police said 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.
“While the child was being subject to immense distress and pain, it is alleged the woman filmed and posted videos of the child,” police said.
“It is alleged the content produced exploited the child and was used to entice monetary donations and online followers,” police said.
Medical staff reported the incident to the detectives on October 15, 2024.
The police arrested the woman on January 16 and subsequently charged her with 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.
She is expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday.
Detective Inspector Paul Dalton said: “We will do everything in our power to remove that child from harm’s way and hold any offender to account.”
