Melbourne mother faces attempted murder charges over children
A Melbourne woman has pleaded not guilty to four counts of attempted murder involving her three children in two separate incidents.
A Melbourne mother in her 30s appeared in Magistrates' Court Monday facing four attempted murder charges over two alleged incidents in March. Police allege she attempted to drown her eldest child in the bath while her husband was out; the boy asked her "Why are you doing this?"
but she did not respond. Soon after, police say she drove her three children, all aged under 12, to a boat ramp, locked the car doors and accelerated at full speed into the water.
Witnesses heard the children screaming and one waded in to rescue two of them. She was found at the water's edge holding the infant.
Messages on her phone mentioned postnatal depression, and searches about hurting children were also found. She pleaded not guilty and requested bail, which police opposed citing mental health concerns.
- Two alleged incidents in March
- Incident timing
- Boat ramp where car was driven into water
- Second incident location
Why it mattersPolice cite mental health as grounds to oppose bail, highlighting its role in decisions on who awaits trial in custody.
AustraliaMelbourne courts are hearing the case, which may influence how Australia's family law and mental health systems respond to parents in severe crisis, particularly those with postnatal depression.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 d ago
