On February 16, 2025, in Perth, Australia, the parents of a severely malnourished 17-year-old girl were sentenced to prison for neglect. The couple, in their mid-40s, failed to provide adequate nutrition to their daughter, who weighed only 60 pounds and exhibited signs of severe malnutrition.
- Brisbane girl hospitalized due to severe malnutrition
- Parents sentenced for neglect despite loving intentions
- Judge highlights failure to allow daughter’s growth
- Kate's vegan diet linked to nutritional deficiencies
- Parents forged documents to hide daughter's age
- Kate expressed dependency on her parents
The case centers around a girl, referred to as Kate, who was treated like a child well into her teenage years. Witnesses reported that her parents engaged in child-like care, such as wiping her nose and brushing her hair, while she watched shows meant for toddlers. By the time she was hospitalized, she was at risk of cardiac arrest, with a body mass index significantly below the healthy range.
During the trial, it was revealed that Kate’s parents had taken her to ballet and piano lessons but neglected her basic nutritional needs. They maintained a vegan diet for her, which, according to the judge, contributed to her malnourishment. The parents denied intentionally starving her, claiming she was a fussy eater. However, the judge noted that they had forged documents to conceal her actual age and had ignored concerns raised by her teachers about her health.
In her ruling, Judge Linda Black emphasized that the parents had failed to recognize their daughter’s deteriorating condition, stating that everyone around Kate could see her malnutrition except for her parents. After being placed in state custody, Kate began to gain weight and improve her health, highlighting the severity of the neglect she faced.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities parents have in safeguarding their children’s health. The court’s decision reflects the serious consequences of neglect, even when parents may believe they are acting in their child’s best interest.
