A social media influencer accused of giving her one-year-old child medication to induce sickness so that she could increase her social media following, was blown kisses by a supporter as she appeared in court for the first time on Jan. 17.
Mathew Cuskelly, a lawyer representing the 34-year-old, who cannot be named to protect the identity of her child, asked Brisbane Magistrates Court to place his client in protective custody once she enters prison.
“There is some publicity with regards to this matter and I am concerned with regard to the safety of my client,” he said.
But Magistrate Peter Saggers said that was a matter for Corrective Services.
A blonde female supporter, dressed in a black and white outfit and a designer Marc Jacobs handbag, blew kisses and smiled at the accused during the proceedings.
The accused wore a long green police watch house top, and pants as she faced 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.
Cuskelly did not apply for bail for his client, which police have said they planned to oppose.
Videos Among Police Evidence
Police are expected to include CCTV footage in their case against the Sunshine Coast influencer.It is understood some video allegedly shows “high-quality” footage related to the preparation to commit the acts, which police say is linked to receipts and bank records.
Hospital Called Police
The accused woman was arrested on Jan. 16 after her child was admitted to a Brisbane hospital with a genuine medical condition, but staff noticed something was wrong and believed she was being poisoned.Police were then called to investigate.
The woman is alleged to have disregarded the hospital’s treatment plan for the one-year-old girl, instead giving her other medications including prescription medication intended for someone else in the home.
The woman then filmed the child in distress, which police say was to increase her social media following, and to help her GoFundMe campaign which had amassed around $60,000.
The alleged offending is said to have occurred between August and October 2024.
Influencer Had 1 Million Followers
The influencer accused of drugging her baby had more than one million followers on her accounts which chronicled the daily life inside her home.She had also been featured in articles from prominent publications, who shared links to her fundraising campaign amid claims of her daughter’s illness.
Her accounts have since been removed, along with the GoFundMe fundraising page.
Police say the organisation is working to refund those who donated.
