Brisbane Baby Attack Suspect Still Free in China

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Australian police say they are continuing to work with Chinese authorities in pursuit of justice for a Brisbane baby who suffered severe burns after being attacked with scalding hot coffee last year.

The incident occurred in August 2024 at Hanlon Park, where nine-month-old Luka was with his mother. A 33-year-old man allegedly approached them and poured hot liquid from a thermos over the child before fleeing the scene. Luka sustained serious burns to his face, neck, and chest.

Within days of the attack, the suspect is believed to have left Australia. Queensland Police confirmed at the time that they had not identified him before his departure. Authorities later revealed that the man travelled to China, where he remains one year later.

In a joint statement released this week, Queensland Police and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said international cooperation is underway to try to ensure the alleged offender faces trial.

“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 statement read. “The AFP is working jointly with Chinese authorities on appropriate options to take this matter forward.”

There is no formal extradition treaty between Australia and China, complicating the case. However, Chinese law allows citizens to be prosecuted in China for crimes committed abroad.

Meanwhile, Luka’s mother has issued an emotional appeal on social media, describing the ongoing pain her son has endured since the attack. She said Luka has undergone eight operations, including skin grafts, laser treatments, and skin needling, in efforts to repair the extensive burns.

“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.”

She praised her son’s resilience, calling him strong beyond his years, but emphasized that he deserves justice.

“It is beyond unacceptable that the alleged offender is yet to face any consequences,” she added. “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.”

Her statement also raised concerns about international legal cooperation. “Our legal systems and international relationships should protect victims and children, yet they have failed to do so,” she wrote.

The AFP stressed that discussions with Chinese authorities remain ongoing. Legal experts note that while China can prosecute, such cases can be slow-moving, requiring extensive cooperation and documentation from Australian authorities.

The case has drawn widespread attention in Australia, highlighting the difficulties of pursuing justice in cross-border crimes where no extradition treaties exist.

For Luka and his family, the wait for accountability continues. Police say they remain committed to pursuing every available legal avenue, but the outcome will depend heavily on China’s willingness to act on the case.