Police will oppose bail being granted to a Queensland TikTok influencer accused of poisoning a one-year-old girl to gain followers and raise money.
The 34-year-old Sunshine Coast woman allegedly gave several unauthorised prescription and pharmacy medicines to the little girl, resulting in her falling ill.
“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 in a statement.
“It is alleged the content produced exploited the child and was used to entice monetary donations and online followers.”
Detective Inspector Paul Dalton said the little girl was already sick in hospital with a genuine illness when medical staff suspected something was amiss.
On January 7, testing for the unauthorised medicines returned a positive return.
Police allege the medicines were administered to the little girl between August 6 and October 15 last year.
“There are no words to describe just how repulsive offences of this nature are,” Dalton said.
“There is no excuse for hurting a child, particularly one so young.”
The woman is accused of raising as much as $60,000 through a GoFundMe page.
“We’ve been dealing with GoFundMe, I understand through my investigators that they are making attempts to repay that money to the people through the kindness of their heart who have donated that money,” Dalton said.
“We will be seeking that money back in restitution should she be convicted at a later date,” Dalton said.
The woman was arrested at an address in Underwood this morning by detectives from the Morningside Child Protection and Investigation Unit.
She 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.
She remains in custody and police have objected to her bail.
The little girl and her siblings are “safe”, Dalton said, but did not reveal who was caring for them.
“The child’s going well,” he said.
The accused is expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Dalton said the woman could be facing substantial prison time if convicted.
