Woman charged over baby death in Oz to return home

An Irish backpacker charged with concealing the birth and death of her baby in Australia is being allowed return home while she waits for her trial to begin.

Legal representatives for the unnamed, 25-year-old woman successfully applied for the return of her surrendered passport at a hearing in Perth yesterday despite objections from police who wanted her to remain in the jurisdiction.

Her legal aid lawyer, Karen Farley, argued that her client was in a vulnerable state and needed to be with her family.

Chief Magistrate Steven Heath granted the application, saying it should be allowed because without that support there were “serious concerns for [her] welfare”.

The woman is accused of failing to report the birth of her baby after she apparently delivered the child alone in the small outback town of Halls Creek in the remote north of Western Australia.

It has not been made public when or how the baby died or what became of the child’s remains, but she is not facing any charges in connection with the death.

It is understood she did not know she was pregnant and the birth only came to light after several days when friends became concerned about her and sought help at a local hospital where staff contacted the police.

Concealing a birth or death is a criminal offence that potentially carries a two-year jail sentence. The case is listed to be back in court again in October.

The woman had been on bail since being charged last week. Her mother had travelled to support her.

The magistrate said he was prepared to alter the bail conditions. He said the only question was whether the defendant could be trusted to return to Australia for her trial although he noted Australia had extradition arrangements in place here should any difficulty arise.

The woman was released on her own bail of A$5,000 (€3,500) plus an independent surety in the same amount. She was also required to provide a cash deposit of $1,000.