Details have emerged regarding the severe mistreatment of a newborn baby, following a mother’s sentencing for her involvement in her son’s death.
Kristie Lee Willmot’s infant son, Michael Willmot, tragically lost his life in 2021 at just 37 days old. Initially facing murder charges after the baby was discovered unresponsive in a Logan carpark, Willmot and her then-partner, Robert Alan Gee, ultimately pleaded guilty to reduced charges during their recent court appearance.
Willmot admitted to committing cruelty against children under 16 between June 10-15, 2021, while Gee pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Reports indicate that Gee, after being left alone with Michael for a short period, shook the baby violently and then misled Willmot by falsely claiming the baby was sleeping peacefully.
Following this incident, the baby’s health deteriorated rapidly over the next few days. Despite evident distress, Willmot and Gee failed to seek medical help promptly. Tragically, Michael ceased breathing on June 14, 2021, and was pronounced dead four days after sustaining critical injuries. An autopsy revealed severe injuries consistent with violent shaking.
During the court proceedings, it was highlighted that Willmot, though cooperative with authorities, concealed her involvement in sourcing drugs while Gee harmed the child. While Willmot was not directly responsible for her son’s death, her negligence and failure to act appropriately significantly contributed to the tragic outcome.
Justice Martin Burns emphasized that although Willmot may not have been present during the fatal incident, she should have recognized the severity of the situation as the baby’s health declined. Consequently, Willmot received a four-year suspended jail sentence, having already served time in custody, while Gee’s sentencing is scheduled for November 13.