Ecstasy parents bailed
THE parents of a baby who almost died from ingesting a drug, believed to be ecstasy, walked free from Cairns Magistrates' Court on bail yesterday to be reunited with their child.
The baby girl was released from hospital back into her parents' care early yesterday afternoon, having made a full recovery.
The 24-year-old man and 22-year-old woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were bailed to appear for a committal mention on February 3 on charges of grievous bodily harm and possession of a dangerous drug.
Police have not said the drug was deliberately given to the tot, but say the baby girl's cardiac arrest on Sunday happened when she ingested half an ecstasy pill.
It is understood the parents may have given the girl the pill believing it was a headache tablet.
The couple, originally from near Melbourne, declined to speak to the media yesterday, leaving in a taxi after facing court.
The charges followed several hours of questioning by police Child Protection and Investigation Unit officers on Sunday.
While the baby has been returned to her parents' care, the Queensland Department of Child Safety has said it is investigating the matter.
Department of Child Safety director-general Norelle Deeth said child protection laws prevented her from discussing specific cases.
"The department will work closely with other relevant agencies to ensure the safety of the child and will provide support to the family," she said.
The couple's lawyer, Phil, said his clients had been through a traumatic experience.
"The parents are distraught," he said.
"This has been a terrible accident. The baby is safe and out of hospital."
Some reports have said the couple was holidaying in the Far North, but The Cairns Post understands they are now living in Cairns.
Neighbours said the couple had been quiet and kept to themselves since arriving.
"They were quiet but friendly and always said hello," one neighbour said.
"They also like going fishing."
Share this article
No comment:The parents of a child who allegedly ingested ecstasy get into a waiting taxi outside court after being released on bail yesterday.
New Jetstar flights between Cairns and Osaka
THE re-introduction of Jetstar's four weekly direct services to Osaka in Japan and a doubling of flights to Melbourne from April 1 next year are the first significant announcements today by the airline as the result of a new agreement with Cairns Airport.
Kate earns National Pride Medal
INSPIRING young leader and cancer survivor Kate Smith could hardly believe she won a national Pride of Australia medal last night.
Escapee back in custody
BREAKING NEWS: Police have found a man who escaped from police custody at Ravenshoe on Sunday night.
Woman watched boyfriend bash, strip tourist
THE girlfriend of a man accused of raping and attempting to rape two foreign tourists at a Cairns caravan park says she watched him bash and strip one of them then chase after her.
