A Perth man and woman, previously found guilty in November 2024 of starving their teenage daughter, have had their convictions set aside by a West Australian court. The couple was also granted bail.
Daughter's Critical Condition and Initial Verdict
Their daughter was admitted to Perth Children's Hospital in 2021, at nearly 17 years old, weighing approximately 28 kilograms. Medical professionals indicated she would have died without immediate intervention.
The parents, who resided in Perth's western suburbs, faced two charges each of engaging in conduct causing their child to suffer. They were found guilty after a jury trial.
Convictions Set Aside and Bail Granted
The couple appealed the verdict, and Western Australia's Court of Appeal set aside their convictions and granted them bail. Each parent was required to provide a $50,000 personal undertaking and a $50,000 surety. The court's full reasoning for this decision has not yet been published.
Previous Sentencing and Other Details
The father was sentenced in January 2025 to over six years in prison, and the mother received five years, both with parole eligibility.
During sentencing, Judge Linda Black stated the parents were "grossly negligent" and had not acted in their daughter's best interests.
The father had previously pleaded guilty to forging his daughter's birth certificate to misrepresent her age.
Hospital staff reported the girl was severely emotionally and developmentally delayed. She was placed into state care after her parents refused to allow tube-feeding at Perth Children's Hospital, despite her critical weight.
Upcoming Court Appearance
The man and woman are scheduled to appear in the District Court on April 24 for a hearing concerning a possible retrial.