A Perth couple are behind bars after failing to get medical attention for their “horrifically” injured nine-week-old baby over fears they would lose Centrelink payments, according to ABC News.
Sarah Jane Mary Deal, 24, and her ex-partner, Hayden Shane Brooks, 25, waited two weeks to seek help after they were told by a GP in May 2016 to urgently take their daughter to Joondalup Hospital. At the time, the child was having difficulty breathing, was irritable, had sunken eyes and was failing to thrive.
After finally seeking medical help, the child was rushed by ambulance to Princess Margaret Hospital. She was found to have at least 35 bone fractures — including breaks in every “long bone” of her body — as well as an injury to her eye and bruising to her ear.
Speaking with police, the couple said they chose not to present to the hospital sooner as they worried Ms Deal would lose her single parent Centrelink payment if it was discovered they were living together.
Ms Deal and Mr Brooks pleaded guilty to a charge of engaging in conduct that may result in harm to the child. They were not charged with causing the child’s injuries due to ambiguity surrounding how the injuries were sustained and who was responsible for inflicting them.
The court was told, however, that family members witnessed both parties “behaving roughly” with the child — including one instance where the baby was “screaming like she was getting murdered.”
Judge Alan Troy said it was “inconceivable” the parents weren’t aware of their child’s suffering.
“You both must have known she was in severe pain, that she had been deliberately injured,” he said.
He referenced reports that the child’s injuries had healed and that she was now a happy and content toddler in good health, but could not speak to the long term effects of the abuse.
Deal was sentenced to 18 months in jail, while Brooks was given a 20-month term. The pair will need to serve half the sentences before they are eligible for parole.
