A MOTHER accused of pouring bleach into her disabled baby’s feeding tube has been remanded to a Perth psychiatric hospital following a mental health assessment.
Brooke Evelyn Lucas, 26, was charged on Friday with intending to kill or endanger her son William.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWPolice allege Ms Lucas tried to poison him days after celebrating his discharge from hospital on Christmas Eve where he was treated for bronchitis.
The 13-month-old baby, who has a congenital condition called Pierre Robin sequence and requires 24-hour care, is expected to be released from Perth Children’s Hospital into the care of relatives.
Lucas called it a “Christmas miracle” when William was discharged from PCH following a bout of what his mother said was bronchitis.
“William has been discharged from PCH and will be spending his first Christmas at home,” she posted on Facebook on December 24.
But William was back in hospital on December 29 after police allege Lucas poisoned him by putting bleach into his feeding tube.
The boy’s family said on Sunday he is recovering and is expected to be released into their care.
Appearing in Perth Magistrates Court on Monday, Lucas was visibly distressed and did not speak.
She has been remanded to the Frankland Centre, a high-security inpatient unit at Graylands Hospital, on a seven-day order following a mental health assessment.
She is due back in court on January 30.
Lifeline 13 11 14
beyondblue 1300 22 4636