A couple in Australia has been accused of pretending that their six-year-old son had cancer. On December 13, the man and woman, aged 44, faced a court in Port Adelaide. Each has been charged with a serious crime that could lead to seven years in prison, according to reports.
The police, including Acting Assistant Commissioner John DeCandia, stated in a news conference that the parents allegedly shaved their child’s head and eyebrows. They are accused of using a wheelchair and covering the child with bandages to simulate treatment for cancer. DeCandia described the parents’ actions as “devious and cruel,” especially as they sought donations to support the supposed medical treatment.
It has been reported that the couple may have raised approximately $60,000 AUD (about $38,200 USD) through a GoFundMe page and word of mouth. However, investigators have confirmed that their child was never in need of medical care, stating that the fake diagnosis has caused significant psychological harm to him and his sibling.
Following the investigation, both children have been taken away from their parents and are currently being cared for by a relative. The police began looking into the case after a report was made on November 26. They have been working closely with child protection services and the child’s school throughout the investigation.
DeCandia emphasized that the impact of this deception is not just on the child but extends to the community, as it undermines genuine cases of those in need. The court will consider further bail applications, with the next court date set for January 6, 2025, for the mother, while the father’s case is scheduled for December 20.
The legal process is still ongoing, and the Director of Public Prosecutions has decided not to proceed with charges of criminal neglect that were initially mentioned by the police.
