Woman Charged in Alleged Georges River Drowning Attempt of Daughters
A 39-year-old woman has been charged with attempting to drown her two daughters in the Georges River at Liverpool, Sydney, on September 11, 2023. The incident, details of which emerged from court documents, led to the rescue of the children by a passer-by and the woman's subsequent arrest. The woman's fitness to stand trial is currently subject to a mental health judgment. Due to legal reasons, the identities of the mother and children cannot be publicly disclosed.
Incident Details
On September 11, 2023, the woman reportedly informed her daughters they would not attend school, promising them a 'surprise.'
She then took them to a grassy area approximately 1.8 meters above the Georges River, near the Light Horse Bridge in Sydney's south-west.
According to court documents, the woman asked one daughter if she wished to 'go to heaven now.' The child reportedly declined, stating she had a 'bright future' and aspired to be a police officer. The mother then allegedly threw both daughters into the water. She reportedly asked the second child if she wanted to 'go to God.'
Both girls were described as inexperienced swimmers and immediately experienced difficulty breathing. Court files indicate they pleaded to be allowed out of the river.
One report stated they screamed, 'We learned our lesson, please let us back up.' The mother reportedly observed them during this time.
Rescue and Aftermath
The daughters remained in the river, hugging each other, for approximately two hours. Their cries were eventually heard by a passer-by who subsequently rescued them.
One child reportedly told the rescuer that her mother had expressed a desire for 'a break from all the noise' and 'peace and quiet.'
Following these events, the woman fell from the Light Horse Bridge, surviving a fall of approximately 7 meters. Police located her in the vicinity.
Woman's Statements and Background
The woman reportedly informed paramedics that she had been hearing voices instructing her to 'kill yourself' for over a year. Court documents also state that she had allegedly told her former husband about seeing 'spirits' and 'evil' in her residence.
She reportedly purchased items online, including a 'Native American teepee tent, tarot cards, and spices,' which she allegedly intended to use to 'kick the evil out of the house.'
Legal Proceedings
The 39-year-old woman appeared at Parramatta District Court on Tuesday. Judge Huw Baker SC is scheduled to deliver a mental health judgment to determine the woman's fitness to stand trial.