A 5-year-old boy is reportedly fighting for his life after allegedly being beaten with a wooden stick and metal pole.
The incident occurred on Friday, August, 21, in Sydney, Australia.
The boy is reported to be on a life-support machine with brain damage in a case a doctor described as the “worst case of suspected child beating” he had ever seen.
Police in Sydney have arrested and charged a 20-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman after finding the seriously injured child. The boy also reportedly had marks that looked like cigarette burns on his body and splinters in his feet and backside.
The report said neighbours raised the alarm after the boy was allegedly attacked at his home in the suburbs. He was treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital where he is now in a critical condition.
Paediatric Neurosurgeon at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Adam Fowler later tweeted: “One admission overnight.
“The worst case of suspected child beating I’ve ever seen in my professional career.
“One that made me physically sob whilst examining.”
He revealed the boy now had an “army of medical professionals” on his side as he fights for his life in hospital.
The couple involved in the case were taken to separate police stations for questioning.
The man was charged with wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, while the woman was charged with putting a child in danger of serious injury.
Magistrate Peter Miszalski denied the man bail in order to protect the child.
He said: “What started off smacking the victim to discipline, ended with the victim being severely injured.
“I have seen the photos. They are very disturbing.”
As for the woman, she didn’t apply for bail during an appearance at Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday, August 29.
