A man has been charged over an alleged assault and investigations are continuing into an alleged incident of child neglect in the Hunter region.
Yesterday (Monday 15 April 2019), a nine-year-old girl presented at John Hunter Hospital unresponsive and with bruising after doctors were told she consumed food containing an illicit drug and may have been given non-prescribed medication.
Forensic analysis and pathology testing is currently being conducted.
The girl remains in hospital and her condition is being monitored.
Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation and following inquiries, a 28-year-old man was arrested at a home at Raymond Terrace just before 9pm yesterday.
He was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
It will be alleged in court the man, who is known to the girl, assaulted her, causing bruising.
The man was refused bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Tuesday 16 April 2019).
Investigations are continuing.
Police are reminding parents and carers to remove any non-prescribed medication or adulterated food from areas that can be accessed by children to prevent the risk of exposure to and ingestion of potentially dangerous substances.
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
