Parents face manslaughter charge over child’s death

Nick Gibbs | January 31, 2023

The parents of a three-year-old girl have been charged over her death, with police alleging they failed to provide care for her treatable medical condition.

A 25-year-old man and 24-year-old woman face one count each of manslaughter following the child’s death in Townsville in July last year.

The girl was born with the condition and had a “very detailed” treatment plan that needed to be followed in particular situations, Queensland Police Senior Sergeant Dave Miles said.

“This is something that had happened on a number of occasions, which is common with this illness, and the parents have responded appropriately,” he said.

“On this occasion, however, they haven’t done so and the child deteriorated over a period of 24 hours.”

The girl was dead on arrival at the Townsville University Hospital after paramedics were called, Sgt Miles said.

“Our case is that this child should not have died from this condition,” he said.

The parents have been charged with one count each of manslaughter and are due to appear in the Townsville Magistrates Court on February 13.