Man who attacked baby with hot coffee remains free in China one year on

Australian police say they are working with Chinese authorities in a bid to force a man who allegedly poured hot coffee on a baby boy to face a criminal trial.

In August last year, nine-month-old Luka was in Brisbane's Hanlon's Park with his mother when a 33-year-old man approached them and allegedly threw a thermos of hot liquid over the boy before fleeing.

Luka was left with severe burns to his face, neck and chest.

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One year on from the attack, Luka's mother, who has not been identified, has made an impassioned appeal on social media calling for justice over the "unthinkable act".

Speaking in the aftermath of the attack last year, Queensland Police said they believed the suspect flew out of Australia days after the incident - before they had been able to identify him.

Police did not reveal at the time where he had flown to.

However, a joint update today from Queensland Police and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said the alleged offender was known to be in China.

"Since the alleged offender left Australia on 31 August 2024, the AFP has been working tirelessly with our international partners to bring the alleged offender to justice," the police statement said.

"The AFP is working jointly with Chinese authorities on appropriate options to take this matter forward."

There are no extradition arrangements in place between Australia and China.

However, the statement said China was able to prosecute its citizens for conduct which occurred outside China.

In the statement posted to social media, first reported by the ABC, Luka's mother said her son had endured eight surgeries since the horrific attack.

"He's received synthetic skin grafts, skin needling, and laser treatments for his burns," she wrote.

"Every procedure is a painful reminder of what was done to him — and of the justice that still hasn't come."

White Luka had shown strength beyond his years, his mother said he deserved justice, describing it as "beyond unacceptable" that the alleged offender is yet to face any consequences. 

"That reality is as painful today as it was a year ago and is one of the hardest things to live with: knowing that the person who hurt our child walks free," she wrote.

"Our legal systems and international relationships should protect victims and children, yet they have failed to do so."