Floreat parents starvation trial: Why WA mum jailed for starving teenage daughter believes trial was unfair

A West Australian mother who was convicted of neglecting her teenage daughter by allowing her to become dangerously thin claims she was not given a fair trial because she fell ill part way through and has unsuccessfully argued to be released from prison pending the outcome of an appeal.

The 48-year-old Floreat woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced to five years in prison in the WA District Court in January.

The girl’s parents outside court last year. Credit: 9News Perth

The bizarre case made headlines last year when she and her husband – who was also charged with the same offence – took the matter to trial , telling the court they believed the girl was healthy despite concerns raised by ballet teachers and, eventually, the state Department of Communities.

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