Perth parents dodge jail time for child neglect
A meth-smoking Perth couple who allowed their toddler to be bitten and beaten up by her siblings while they got high have avoided jail.
In a shocking case of child neglect, Travis Heise and Natasha Bland turned a blind eye to the two-year-old's abuse for eight months until concerned doctors finally called police.
A court heard they had six young children between them from previous relationships, often leaving them unsupervised in their home while they smoked meth in a locked bedroom.
Travis Heise and Natasha Bland turned a blind eye to the two-year-old's abuse for eight months until concerned doctors finally called police. 9News
It wasn't until the little girl developed cauliflower ear — an injury commonly seen in rugby players — that they finally sought medical treatment in August 2019.
Doctors at the clinic noted suspicious injuries including bruises on her face and body — some resembling bite marks — cuts and swelling to the lips, and infected fingertips and toes.
The Lockridge parents were both handed 15 month suspended sentences, with the court hearing they've now kicked their gram-a-day meth habit.
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