Coober Pedy woman charged with choking, assaulting her child

A Coober Pedy woman accused of choking and assaulting her child has been remanded in custody after appearing in the Coober Pedy Magistrates Court. She was arrested on Saturday after members of the public who witnessed the alleged incident called police. The woman was denied police bail and did not apply for it yesterday.

The child was found a short time later safe and in the care of relatives, and was treated for minor injuries. The woman is facing serious domestic violence charges, including an allegation of choking. That charge carries a maximum sentence of seven years behind bars.

Coober Pedy police officer Sergeant David Finlayson credited the bystanders who raised the alarm. According to ABC News, he said the quick actions of witnesses who contacted police and provided information were instrumental in ensuring a prompt response and progressing the investigation. She will return to court later this month.

The case lands against a backdrop of tightened South Australian law. Reforms to the state's domestic violence strangulation laws took effect in May last year. A choking charge can attract up to seven years in prison, and where a person is rendered unconscious by choking, suffocation or strangulation, the maximum rises to 10 years.

Police are urging anyone who witnesses violence, abuse or neglect involving a child to call 131 444 immediately, or Triple Zero in an emergency. Suspected child abuse or neglect in South Australia can be reported to the Child Abuse Report Line on 13 14 78, which runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.