Dad "allegedly" tortured 3-year-old son by forcing him to drink cleaning product (Brisbane, Australia)

UNNAMED DAD is now on trial on torture, grievous bodily harm, and assault charges for "allegedly" forcing his 3- and 5-year-old year-old sons to drink cleaning and/or disinfectant fluid. At least one child suffered a severe respiratory reaction as a result. Notice that this "incident" took place "at the family home," but there is no mention of a mother at all. Why?

INVISIBLE MOTHER ALERT.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/father-allegedly-tortured-toddler-by-forcing-him-to-drink-cleaning-product-as-punishment-court-told/story-e6freuzr-1225959508984

Father allegedly tortured toddler by forcing him to drink cleaning product as punishment, court told
By Tony Keim From: The Courier-Mail November 23, 2010 3:48PM

A YOUNG Brisbane dad tried to discipline his three-year-old son for making a mess while snacking by forcing him to drink household cleaning products, a jury had been told.

A Brisbane District Court jury was told the father, then aged 23, tortured the toddler by trying to have him ingest "green and white soap" at their family home at Keperra, northwest of Brisbane, on February 1 last year, The Courier-Mail reported.

Prosecutor Dennis Kinsella said the man tried to chastise both his sons, aged three and five, by pouring "dishwashing liquidt'', disinfectant or both into their mouths.

He said the father's punishment was the result of waking up to find the boys had made a mess while snacking on ham, Weet-Bix, ice cream and Milo.

The now 25-year-old man, who cannot be named to protect his son's identity, today pleaded not guilty to one count each of torture, grievous bodily harm and common assault.

Mr Kinsella said details of the alleged incident only became apparent when ambulance officers were called to the home in response to the toddler suffering serious respiratory problems.

The jury was told the child was rushed to Brisbane's Royal Children's Hospital -- wrere doctors noticed he had a partial airway obstruction, swelling to his lips and bruising about his face and upper body.

Mr Kinsella said it was later suggested, by medical staff, the boy's health problems may have been the result of ingesting chemicals.

He said the five-year-old child later revealed their father had punished both he and his younger brother by trying to force them to drink "green and white soap''.

Mr Kinsella said the prosecution alleges the father caused the injuries to his son with the intention of causing him "severe pain and suffering''.

The trial before judge Hugh Botting continues.

Read more about the trial at The Courier-Mail.