An Ipswich father has been charged with the murder of his three-month-old baby son.
Uneeb Ullah, 28, allegedly took his son to an Ipswich Hospital on Thursday with significant internal injuries, before the infant was transferred to Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane.
The child was transferred to Queensland Children’s Hospital, where he died of his injuries. Nine
The boy died of his injuries on Tuesday afternoon.
Investigations into how the boy was injured began when he was first hospitalised, and hospital staff called police after raising concerns about how the three-month-old sustained his injuries.
Overnight, his father was arrested at an Ipswich home and taken into custody.
Ullah was charged with one count of murder – domestic violence against a child.
Detective Inspector Mick Manago said the police investigation is “confronting” and difficult.
“This is an incredibly tragic incident involving the death of a three-month-old infant boy,” he told media on Wednesday afternoon.
“Any death is devastating, but the death involving a young and vulnerable member of the community is particularly tragic.”
Manago did not elaborate when or how the boy was injured, but said his mother and father were still in a relationship.
“The boy’s mother is extremely upset, as you can imagine, this is a terribly tragic event,” he said.
“She’s struggling, but we’re offering all of the support we can.”
Ullah’s case was mentioned in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday, despite police attempts to delay proceedings.
He did not appear when his matter was mentioned.
His case might return to court later in the day if new charges were laid, Magistrate Nicholas Brown said.
Detective Inspector Michael Manago said police and hospital workers had been deeply impacted by the infant’s death. 9News
When Ullah’s case came before the court on Wednesday, police prosecutor Ben Messina asked it be stood down until later in the day.
“I received a phone call this morning … that potentially more material would be provided and asked if this matter be stood down to the end of the list,” Messina said of the “relatively vague request”.
The magistrate agreed to re-mention the case if other charges were laid.
Kirstyn Nicholson, a Legal Aid solicitor representing Ullah, did not apply for bail and sought an adjournment.
Police continue to investigate the boy’s death.
Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie said the death was “tragic”. Catherine Strohfeldt
Manago did not confirm or deny if Ullah had allegedly tried to leave the country before his arrest.
He praised the work of detectives, as well as the hospital staff who treated the boy.
“Our detectives have worked tirelessly in this investigation since it commenced,” he said.
“Our thoughts are also with the hospital staff, and all of the other police involved in this tragic event.”
Speaking to media on Wednesday morning, Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie said he was shocked by the death of the boy.
“I don’t think there’s anything more tragic than the death of an innocent and vulnerable defenceless child,” he said.
“Our police stop at nothing to investigate these things.”
Ullah was remanded in custody until the matter returns to court on October 26.
– with AAP
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).