Mum and dad are charged over the neglectful death of three-year-old girl with ‘totally survivable’ illness: ‘This child should not have died’
- Penelope Campbell, three, died on July 7 last year
- Her parents Breannon, 24, and Jack, 25, have been charged
- Police will allege her death was caused by negligence
A young couple have been charged after allegedly allowing their daughter to die from a ‘totally survivable’ illness.
Breannon, 24, and Jack Campbell, 25, are accused of failing to provide the necessities of life to their daughter Penelope, three, after she died at Townsville University Hospital on July 7 last year.
According to posts online, the toddler lived with inherited disorder known as Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency – or MCADD – a diabetes-like condition where sufferers struggle to break down fats and have low blood sugar.
Police will allege Penelope’s condition was completely treatable and her death was the result of neglect.
Penelope Campbell, three, (pictured) died in Townsville University Hospital on 7 July, 2022
‘This was a totally survivable medical condition,’ Detective Senior Sergeant David Miles claimed to reporters.
‘Our case is that this child should not have died from this condition [and] this is a case of negligence on behalf of the family.’
Senior Sergeant Miles said the young girl had a ‘very detailed treatment plan’ that needed to be followed in certain circumstances.
‘There was a whole range of medical professionals for the family to access,’ he said.
‘This happened on a number of occasions and the parents responded appropriately, on this occasion, however, they haven’t done so and the child deteriorated over a period of 24 hours and that resulted in the child’s death,’ he claimed.
Her parents Breannon and Jack (pictured together) have been charged with alleged negligence
In November, Ms Campbell wrote online that Penelope lost her battle to MCADD
In November, Ms Campbell, who runs a photography studio, announced to her Instagram followers she would be returning to work in 2023.
‘My husband and I are taking it day by day but thankful for our other two children,’ she wrote.
‘Every photoshoot I do next year, half my earnings still go towards the MCADD foundation.
‘Penelope lost her battle to MCADD at only 3 years of age but thanks to the support of my family, friends and community we have been getting through it okay. This foundation will help others families like mine.’
The man and woman, who are charged with manslaughter, will face Townsville Magistrates Court in February.
The Campbells pictured together on Christmas in 2021
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