Man and woman charged with serious assault of child

A 29-year-old man is set to face the ACT Magistrates Court today after police allege he seriously assaulted a 4-year-old boy. 

About 5pm on Wednesday (13 September 2023), ACT Policing received a request from ACT Ambulance Service to attend a Canberra Hospital after concluding that injuries witnessed on the child were not consistent with the version of events provided to paramedics and hospital staff.  

The child sustained a serious head injury and further examination revealed additional unexplained injuries.  

A 28-year-old woman faced the ACT Court Magistrates Court yesterday (14 September 2023) for assault occasioning grievous bodily harm - she was granted bail.  

The man is facing a charge of aggravated recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm.     

Officer in Charge of the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse team, Detective Acting Inspector Mick Woodburn said that child abuse was unacceptable, and the community needs to recognise the signs of abuse earlier.  

“National Child Protection Week has just ended, so it is incredibly disheartening to see innocent children hurt at the hands of adults.” Detective Acting Inspector Woodburn said.  

“We need the community to recognise the signs of family violence, child abuse and sexual assault, so we can work together to prevent these types of crime.”

Police urge anyone who may have information regarding this particular incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.  

Please quote reference P2192125. 

Information can be provided anonymously.  

MEDIA ENQUIRIES  

POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070,  act-police-media@afp.gov.au