The funeral for Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming is in Nelson today and California remains under critical fire threat. Video / NZ Herald, AFP
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A high-profile woman has been charged with torture of a 1-year-old girl, allegedly drugging the toddler with pharmacy medications for several months and exploiting the child online.
It will be alleged a 34-year-old Sunshine Coast womanadministered unauthorised medication and prescription pharmaceuticals to the 1-year-old girl without medical approval for several months.
Officers from the Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU) allege the woman went to great lengths to obtain medicine – including old pharmaceuticals intended for another person – to the infant, disregarding medical advice.
It wasn’t until the infant was admitted to a hospital in Brisbane’s south in October 2024 that medical staff reported the behaviour to police.
The woman allegedly gave the infant unauthorised medication for months. Photo / Queensland Police
Detectives took immediate action to protect the infant and launched an investigation.
“While the child was being subject to immense distress and pain, it is alleged the woman filmed and posted videos of the child,” a statement from Queensland Police read.
It’s alleged the woman documented the infant’s declining health on social media and exploited her to gain followers and to entice people to send monetary donations.
A test administered by police returned a positive result for the unauthorised medication on January 7.
After extensive investigations into the matter, the CPIU alleges the woman “carefully concealed” giving the baby the unauthorised medication, which caused the 1-year-old immense pain and distress.
It is alleged the woman exploited the child to gain online followers and monetary donations. Photo / Queensland Police
“Working in CIPU we are too often faced with the worst offences against children,” 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.
“There is no excuse for harming a child, especially not a 1-year-old infant who is reliant on others for care and survival.”
On Thursday, January 16, CIPU detectives arrested the 34-year-old woman at an Underwood address.
She was subsequently 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.
She is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on January 17.
