Queensland man charged with murder of three-month-old son

A 28-year-old man, Uneeb Ullah, has been charged with the murder of his three-month-old son in Queensland, Australia. The boy, from the Ipswich area west of Brisbane, died in hospital this week.

The infant was admitted on 1 October with significant internal injuries and was later moved to the Queensland children's hospital, where he was placed on life support. He died almost a week later. Police say the nature of the injuries led hospital staff to report the matter to them.

The man was arrested on Tuesday evening. The murder is designated a domestic violence offence.

Police comments

Detectives from the Child Protection Investigation Unit opened the investigation on 1 October. Detective Inspector Michael Manago told reporters the child's mother is extremely upset and that both parents, who were born overseas, have limited support. The boy was the couple's only child. Police said they are offering the mother all the support they can.

Officers have spoken to the couple several times since the inquiry began. The investigation will also examine the nature and dynamics of the parents' relationship. Manago described it as an incredibly confronting and difficult case.

Court appearance

The case was briefly mentioned in court on Wednesday. Ullah was not required to appear and did not enter a plea. A police prosecutor asked for the matter to be stood down until later in the day because he had received a call suggesting more material might be provided. The magistrate agreed to hear the case again if further charges were laid.

A Legal Aid solicitor representing Ullah did not apply for bail and sought an adjournment. He was remanded in custody until the case returns to court on 26 October.