Baby poisoned by Australian woman for social media views, donations: Report

An Australian woman has been arrested for poisoning a year-old baby to accumulate views on social media and donations by posting the videos of the suffering infant online, in the name of helping the sick baby.

According to a report by the CNN which quoted a statement by Queensland Police, the 34-year-old woman from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, allegedly administered numerous pharmacy medicines from unauthorised prescriptions to the female baby, without any medical approval.

The police statement said, "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."

According to the publication's report, police have alleged that the woman poisoned the baby from August 6 to October 15, 2024.

Her ghastly deeds came to light when a hospital in Brisbane got suspicious about the child's condition and reported her to the police.

The woman has also been accused of scamming and enticing donors of 37,000 Australian dollars ($37,000) using GofundMe.

According to CNN, police said, "While the child was being subject to immense distress and pain, it is alleged the woman filmed and posted videos of the child. It is alleged the content produced exploited the child and was used to entice monetary donations and online followers."

She was arrested in Brisbane after the baby was tested for unauthorised medicines on January 7 and charged with poisoning the baby with the intention of causing harm, child exploitation and monetary fraud.

According to CNN, police said that the woman has been charged 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.

Detective Inspector Paul Dalton of the Morningside Child Protection and Investigation Unit which deals with worst offences against children, 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."

The woman is set to appear at the Brisbane Magistrates Court on January 17.