A Queensland carer has been committed to stand trial next year over the alleged neglect and mistreatment of an elderly woman that resulted in her being in intensive care for weeks.
Michelle Stitt, 57, was charged with grievous bodily harm and failing to provide the necessities of life, according to a report by the ABC.
In May 2019, paramedics were called to Ms Stitt’s property in Tarampa, Ipswich, after Margaret Hoffman, 77, went into cardiac arrest.
Ms Hoffman was taken to Ipswich Hospital, and soon afterwards, police searched Ms Stitt’s property.
At the committal hearing this week, Senior Sergeant Travis John Erich said he saw “hoarder type” and “extremely unhygienic” conditions at the Tarampa property. Chickens were living inside the home and dry blood was found on the floor, according to the ABC report.
Police allege the conditions of the home caused Ms Hoffman’s health to deteriorate.
Dr Judith Ochola, who cared for Ms Hoffman while she was in Ipswich Hospital, told the court she noticed large bruises on the woman’s abdomen that appeared to have been present for days. She suggested the bruises may have been caused by “band-like” pressure for an extended period of time.
In hospital, Ms Hoffman was put on life support after she suffered multiple organ failure due to hypothermia. She also suffered from chilblains, which are the result of prolonged exposure to cold, the ABC reported.
Ms Stitt did not enter a plea and was granted bail. The matter will be heard in Ipswich Magistrates Court next year.
