The mother of a nine-month-old baby who was severely burned when a man allegedly threw hot coffee on him in a Brisbane park has made an emotional plea for justice, nearly a year after the attack. The incident occurred in August last year at Hanlon's Park, where a 33-year-old foreign national allegedly approached the woman and her son, Luka, and poured hot liquid from a thermos over the boy before fleeing.
Police have issued a warrant for the man's arrest on a charge that carries a possible life sentence, describing the attack as "savage." However, authorities believe the suspect is now in China, and there are no formal extradition arrangements between Australia and China, complicating efforts to bring him back.
In a social media statement, Luka's mother said her son has undergone eight surgeries since the attack, including synthetic skin grafts, skin needling, and laser treatments. "Every procedure is a painful reminder of what was done to him — and of the justice that still hasn't come," she wrote.
Queensland police confirmed on Wednesday that the alleged offender is known to be in China and that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) is working with Chinese authorities on options to move the case forward. A QPS spokesperson said investigators remain "committed to securing justice for the victim and his family."
Luka's mother expressed frustration that the suspect remains free, stating, "Our legal systems and international relationships should protect victims and children, yet they have failed to do so." Queensland criminal lawyer Glen Cranny SC noted that the lack of an extradition treaty poses "real challenges," as China has not historically acceded to such requests.
