Feb 18 • 05:59 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia ABC News AU

Man blamed dog for baby's death at Queensland caravan park, court told

A man involved in the death of a newborn in Queensland initially blamed a dog for the child's injuries, but faced charges of domestic violence manslaughter after pleading guilty to lesser charges.

In a heartbreaking court case in Queensland, Robert Alan Gee, who is 47 years old, has been implicated in the tragic death of five-week-old Michael Willmot. Initially, Gee claimed that a dog caused the severe injuries to the infant, who died in June 2021 at a caravan park in Daisy Hill. As the case unfolded, evidence revealed that Gee was in a relationship with the baby's mother, Kristie Lee Willmot, at the time of the incident, when she temporarily left her child in his care. The situation took a grim turn when Gee's frustration led to devastating consequences for the defenseless baby.

The circumstances surrounding the case have drawn significant attention, particularly due to the vulnerable status of the victim and the initial defense presented by Gee, which shifted the blame onto an animal rather than addressing his own actions. The courtroom saw Prosecutor Samantha O'Rourke detailing how in a short period, Gee's inability to care for the child culminated in a loss of life, prompting the legal system to confront issues of child safety and domestic violence. As a result of the charges, while Willmot was sentenced for child cruelty in October of the previous year, Gee's sentencing hearing for manslaughter occurred recently at the Supreme Court in Brisbane.

This case highlights ongoing challenges within domestic violence situations, particularly concerning the protection of children in vulnerable positions. The legal proceedings may act as a catalyst for broader discussions on child welfare laws and the responsibility of guardians in ensuring the safety of children while navigating personal issues such as substance abuse. The outcome of the hearings will likely have implications for similar cases in the future, emphasizing the need for vigilance in protecting those who are least able to protect themselves.

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