NSW police charge woman in investigation into death of infant

Detectives have charged a woman with child abuse offences following the death of a baby in the Hunter region earlier this year.

Police and emergency services were called to a home on New Lambton, just after 4.30am on Saturday 9 February 2019, following reports a six-month-old boy had gone into cardiac arrest.

The child was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition. Despite the efforts of hospital staff, the boy died late on Sunday 10 February 2019.

Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad and Newcastle City Police District, assisted by the Homicide Squad, established Strike Force Wandearah to investigate the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

A post mortem examination determined the child died as a result of a traumatic head injury.

During the course of the investigation, detectives charged a 28-year-old man. He remains before the courts.

Following further inquiries, strike force investigators arrested a 26-year-old woman at a house in Marrickville just after 10am yesterday (Thursday 16 May 2019).

She was taken to Newtown Police Station, where she was charged with do act with intent to pervert the course of justice, failure of provide for child causing danger of death, and drive whilst disqualified.

The woman was refused bail to appear at Newtown Local Court today (Friday 17 May 2019).

The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.

Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

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