A mother who allegedly neglected her daughter and allowed her to live in a house riddled with human and animal feces will likely not be jailed because of her mental health issues, a court has heard.
The woman, in her 30s, from western Sydney, pleaded not guilty to child abandonment after police took her infant daughter away in January.
The girl was allegedly forced to sit in diapers and dirty clothes for long periods of time, while her relatives claimed that when they went to pick her up for a visit, she had bruises and scratches.
The girl’s great-aunt told police she saw cockroaches throughout the house during visits last year, while the bathroom sink was filled with toilet paper and dirty water, according to documents from the New South Wales Supreme Court. The Daily Telegraph reported.
She also claimed to have seen human and cat feces all over the walls of the two-bedroom unit.
The great-aunt said the girl had marks on her face that could have been ringworm and burns on her hands and legs.
The girl’s great-uncle reported to the police that when he went to pick her up, her hair smelled like urine, her clothes also smelled bad and her shoes did not fit properly.
The mother spent six months in custody but was released on conditional bail last month.
A mother who allegedly neglected her daughter and allowed her to live in a house riddled with human and animal faeces will likely not be jailed due to her mental health issues, a court has heard (file image)
He is not allowed to have children or animals in his care, has a curfew and must report to the police daily.
The woman’s four other children had also previously been removed from her care, according to court documents.
Despite the horrific crimes alleged, Judge Richard Button said the mother would likely face no jail time if convicted.
“What allegedly occurred here is that she neglected a child in a very profound way, and one appreciates… that that was a direct result of her mental illness,” he said, according to the publication.
“I believe it is imperative that the applicant continue medication at the discretion of (her) physician and continue to receive help in the community.”
The case will be heard again in November.