Dad accused of assaulting 2-year-old son; boy not expected to survive (Brisbane, Australia)

UNNAMED DAD


Update: It is confirmed here that the little boy has died.



http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-27/queensland-toddlers-dad-could-face-murder-charge/6355016

Toddler's dad could face murder charge as relatives gather at Brisbane hospital

Updated Fri at 6:22am

A 33-year-old man from Queensland's Sunshine Coast accused of assaulting his own toddler could have the charge upgraded to murder.

Relatives are gathering at Brisbane's Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, where the two-year-old is not expected to survive an alleged assault by his father.

Detective Acting Inspector Phil Hurst said charges of grievous bodily harm and assault against the man from Kin Kin, near Gympie, could be upgraded.

"We'll consider what charges would be appropriate and one of the ones we will consider is definitely a murder charge," Detective Inspector Hurst said.

The boy was airlifted to hospital from Kin Kin on Thursday afternoon.

Detective Inspector Hurst said he was allegedly assaulted a number of times over the past four months, culminating in an incident at his family home on Wednesday.

Police have spoken with the toddler's mother, but Detective Inspector Hurst would not comment on whether she would face charges.

"The investigation is ongoing and we're considering a number of factors," he said.

The father appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday morning.

He did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody, with his case to return to court on May 4.

The child's siblings are with extended family.

"The family are rallying together to support them," Detective Inspector Hurst said.

It is the second alleged case of horrific child abuse in Queensland in the past week.

An 18-month-old boy died in Townsville Hospital on Thursday from unspecified injuries he suffered in a separate assault, allegedly at the hands of a 29-year-old man.

That man was remanded in custody when he appeared in the Mackay Magistrates Court on Friday charged with murder.