Canberra Woman Appears in Court Over Alleged Assault on Newborn Baby
A 56-year-old woman from Canberra has fronted the ACT Magistrates Court today, facing serious charges after an alleged assault on a newborn baby over the weekend. The incident, which has shocked the local community, occurred in the suburb of Braddon and led to swift police action.
Details of the Alleged Attack
According to ACT Police, the alleged assault took place on Saturday when a mother was walking with her four-week-old child in a pram along Ijong Street in Braddon. Investigators state that another woman approached them, blocking their path before reaching into the pram, grabbing the infant, and flinging him to the ground. The mother immediately took the baby to a hospital for urgent medical treatment, and the matter was reported to authorities, prompting a thorough investigation.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Officers from the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team arrested the 56-year-old woman yesterday. She has been charged with one count of recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm, a serious offence under Australian law. Police are also investigating a second incident near Ijong Street in Braddon, where a woman was allegedly assaulted immediately prior to this attack, suggesting a possible connection between the two events.
Court Proceedings and Community Response
The woman was due to appear before the ACT Magistrates Court today, where the charges were formally presented. Authorities have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Crime Stoppers, emphasising the importance of community cooperation in such sensitive cases. The Daily Mail has reached out to ACT Police for further comment, but no additional statements have been released at this time.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and child welfare in urban areas, with local residents expressing alarm over the brazen nature of the alleged attack. The case continues to develop as legal proceedings unfold and police delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding both incidents.