Footage has emerged of a grieving young Queensland mother bidding a tearful farewell to her three-year-old daughter at her funeral, seven months before she was charged with the manslaughter of the child.
The girl’s mother, Breannon Pamela James, 24, and her husband, Jack Anthony Lee Campbell, 25, were charged on Wednesday over the death of their daughter Penelope.
Seven months ago, Ms James was among mourners filmed at Townsville’s Woongarra Crematorium Chapel as they said their goodbyes.
A video of the streamed service, reported by 9 News at the time, showed Ms James and her sister by the little girl’s small white coffin, covered in toys and flowers.
“Baby girl, you can rest peacefully now. And know we are all here to live every day in your name,” her tearful Aunty told mourners during the ceremony.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Miles, attached to Townsville’s child protection investigation unit, said police allege the child was born with a medical condition that was “totally treatable”.
Police charged the young parents with manslaughter following a lengthy police investigation into their daughter Penelope’s death last July.
“(We will allege) this is a case of neglect and negligence on behalf of the family,” Sergeant Miles told reporters on Tuesday.
“Our case is that this child should not have died.”
The little girl was rushed to hospital on July 7, 2022, after an alleged medical incident in Townsville, Far North Queensland.
She died later that day.
Police will allege Penelope was born with a medical condition requiring a strict treatment plan, but the parents failed to “provide the necessary health needs to the child,” resulting in her death.
Sergeant Miles said police would allege the parents failed to follow this plan.
“The child deteriorated over a period of 24 hours, and that resulted in the child’s death,” he said.
Mr Campbell and Ms James were charged with one count of manslaughter.
NCA NewsWire understands Ms James has been married to Mr Campbell for several years.
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The parents have other children, but police have no concerns for their safety.
They are expected to front Townsville Magistrates Court on February 13.
- With NCA NewsWire
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