Charges dropped against father accused of son's cancer deception, mother facing new offencesBy Jordanna SchrieverTopic:Courts40m ago40 minutes agoWed 7 May 2025 at 7:52amA mother, 44, is facing 72 charges over an alleged cancer deception involving her son, while all charges against the father have been dropped. (Supplied)In short:Charges have been dropped against a father who was accused of falsely claiming his child was undergoing cancer treatment to raise money – but the child's mother now faces 72 charges. Court documents allege the mother deceived people, or dealt with money to a value totalling more than $20,000.What's next?The mother is scheduled to enter pleas when the matter returns to court in August.abc.net.au/news/sa-fake-cancer-charges-dropped/105264082Link copiedShareShare articleCharges have been dropped against a father accused of falsely claiming his child was undergoing cancer treatment to raise money — while the child's mother is now facing 72 offences.Both parents had been charged with an aggravated count of an act likely to cause harm and one count of deception.But in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today, those charges were dropped against both parents — meaning all accusations against the father have been dropped.Instead, a prosecutor told the court that new information had been filed alleging 72 charges against the mother, 44, who appeared via video link and audibly wept while holding her head in her hands.According to court documents, those charges include one count of criminal neglect, 57 counts of deceiving another to benefit self and 14 counts of dishonestly dealing with property.The documents state that the mother "had a duty of care" to the boy who had "suffered harm as a result of an act", and that the mother "was, or ought to have been aware that there was an appreciable risk that harm would be caused … by the act".The child was allegedly criminally neglected by his mother. (Supplied)The documents further say the mother "failed to take steps that she could reasonably be expected to have taken in the circumstances to protect [the boy] from harm" and that her failure was "so serious that a criminal penalty is warranted".The documents reveal the mother allegedly deceived people out of amounts ranging from $10 to $3,000 over a few weeks between November 21 and December 12.The documents allege that on each occasion, the mother "deceived" the donor and "dishonestly benefited herself".In total, the documents allege the mother deceived people, or dealt with money to a value totalling more than $20,000.Previously, the court heard the six-year-old boy's head and eyebrows were shaved and that he was placed in a wheelchair and bandages to make it look like he had received radiotherapy.It had also initially heard allegations that $60,000 had been donated for the boy's medical care during a two-week period.The father’s lawyer, Melanie Hrvatin, said they were “extremely happy” with the court outcome today. (ABC News)Outside court, the father's lawyer, Melanie Hrvatin, said she was "extremely happy" with the outcome today.The mother is scheduled to enter pleas when the matter returns to court in August.Posted 40m ago40 minutes agoWed 7 May 2025 at 7:52amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesGreens leaderless as Adam Bandt projected to lose in MelbourneTopic:Australian GreensPhoto shows Bandt sits with his hand on his chin.Wilson takes parting shot at Daniel in a teary victory speechTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows A man in a grey jacket and white collared shirt smiles in front of a crowd dressed in blue shirts that say "Tim Wilson".Peter Dutton lands in Canberra as Coalition MPs divide on nuclear policyLIVEPhoto shows Peter Dutton walks through an airport with microphones and cameras surrounding him.Multiple fatalities after retaliatory strikes between India and Pakistan, officials sayLIVEPhoto shows A police officer and rescue workers stand near the wreckage of a building hit in a suspected missile attack.Doctor gave blunt warning to Erin Patterson over mushroom poisoning risk, court hearsTopic:CourtsPhoto shows A sketch of Erin Patterson wearing a blue jumper and thin framed black glasses with her hair tied back. 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