Latest News

Mason Lee’s Mother Sent Horrific Photo Of Her Son’s Condition Day Before He Died

The 21-month-old toddler died last month in a case that horrified paramedics

The mother of Queensland toddler Mason Lee, who died tragically on June 11 after suffering from long-term abuse, has been denied bail as she faces manslaughter charges.

Ann-Maree Lee failed to take the 21-month-old to see a doctor despite being sent photos of him “lying in a pool of vomit”, heard the court.

The shocking details of little Mason’s final days have been revealed in court, as 17-year-old Ryan Hodson, who was also living at the home, has also been charged with manslaughter and denied bail.

The child’s stepfather, William Andrew O’Sullivan, 37, has also been charged with manslaughter.

Police are alleging the trio let the child die rather than seeking medical help, reports The Courier Mail.  

RELATED: Three Charged Over Mason Lee’s Death

The court heard about text messages between the three which reportedly included a photo of Mason lying face down in a pool of vomit, and them arguing over whose responsibility it was to take him to a doctor.

By the time paramedics were finally called, it was too late.

According to News Corp, Hodson allegedly said it wasn’t his problem to to take Mason to see a doctor because he wasn’t his child. 

He was also reportedly captured on CCTV footage verbally abusing the child on three occasions.

The court heard that he was heard telling Mason: “you walk like a spastic, hurry up and grab your f***ing bottle” and “shut up c*** or I’m going to hit you in the head”.

According to The Brisbane Times, Police Detective Inspector Paul Schmidt told reporters outside court on July 30 that police believed that Mason died from peritonitis, a blood infection caused after the toddler’s abdomen swelled when his small intestine ruptured. 

“The injuries to the child would have been obvious, would have been deteriorating and would have been significant over a period of time,” the senior detective told The Brisbane Times.

“Police will allege that the three people charged with manslaughter would have been in a position to know that he was medically unwell, required medical attention and failed to provide reasonable medical care.”

It has previously been reported that child safety departments were aware of Mason Lee. Three months before his death, doctors notified child safety officials after he was admitted to hospital with a broken leg, severe nappy rash and ruptured bowel – injuries which suggested long-term abuse.

  

Health Minister Cameron Dick says doctors followed the correct procedures from their end. However, an investigation is now looking into why, despite this, Mason was returned to his family.

RELATED: QLD Toddler’s Death Sparks Outrage: ‘Mason Should Never Have Gone Home’

Related stories