A woman who abducted an 18-month-old baby in Brisbane told the child’s mother that she was unfit to have children during a dramatic confrontation following a car chase, a court has heard.
Brooke Logan Fitzgerald, 32, appeared before the Brisbane District Court on charges of child stealing, where she pleaded guilty. The court was told of the events leading up to the abduction and the unsettling remarks Fitzgerald made to the victim’s mother.
Baby Taken During Errands
On November 5, 2023, a 33-year-old woman had driven with her young daughter to the inner Brisbane suburb of Spring Hill to run business errands. Arriving at her destination just after midday, the mother decided not to wake her sleeping baby, opting instead to leave the car engine running while keeping a watchful eye on the vehicle from nearby.
In a matter of minutes, Fitzgerald approached the vehicle and took the opportunity to steal it—driving away with the 18-month-old child still inside.
Mother’s Quick Actions Lead to Interception
The court heard how the frantic mother acted quickly by using a tracking device installed in her car. With the help of a friend, she pursued Fitzgerald, managing to intercept the vehicle within 20 minutes of the abduction.
The intense chase came to an end when the mother confronted Fitzgerald, who made the shocking accusation that she was a “bad mum.” According to police reports, Fitzgerald, upon being apprehended, told officers, “What sort of a mother leaves a child in the car?”
Fitzgerald reportedly further explained to police that she believed she deserved to be a mother and had intended to take the child home to “play mummy and daddy.”
Psychological Toll on the Mother
The court was provided with a victim impact statement from the mother, who recounted the emotional scars left by Fitzgerald’s words and actions that day.
“I almost believed you when you said I was a bad mum, that I failed my daughter and I didn’t deserve her,” the mother said, describing how the incident had shaken her deeply and left her questioning her own parenting decisions.
Prosecution and Defence Present Arguments
Crown prosecutor Joshua Francis described Fitzgerald’s crime as less severe compared to other cases of child abduction but still emphasized that the circumstances warranted a substantial prison sentence.
“There was certainly an intention of the defendant to take the child for a prolonged period, but she was interrupted and prevented from doing that by the quick actions of the mother,” Francis told the court.
The prosecutor recommended a prison sentence of up to three years, noting that Fitzgerald had been on parole at the time of the offence. She was already serving an eight-year sentence for drug trafficking, and the prosecution argued that her new sentence should be cumulative on her existing term.
The Defence Case
In her defense, barrister James Grehan urged the court to consider a suspended sentence for Fitzgerald, citing her challenging past. He explained that she had endured an abusive childhood and was not receiving proper treatment for her schizophrenia at the time of the offence.
“She was experiencing symptoms on the day of the offence that affected her judgment,” Grehan said, adding that Fitzgerald had since shown remorse and had written a letter of apology to the victim.
Grehan further noted that Fitzgerald had used her time in custody to work on improving her mental health, emphasizing that she had taken steps to address the issues that had contributed to her criminal behavior.
Judge’s Ruling
Judge John Coker acknowledged the unusual nature of the case, expressing his concern over the impact such an incident could have on the community. He highlighted the significant trust society places in the protection of vulnerable individuals, particularly children.
“It strikes at the very heart of the community, our society generally, the importance of the vulnerable in our community—children—and those that care for the vulnerable,” Judge Coker remarked.
Despite the gravity of the offence, Judge Coker acknowledged Fitzgerald’s remorse and expressed hope that a structured period of supervision could assist in breaking her cycle of drug addiction and incarceration.
Fitzgerald was sentenced to 18 months in prison, to be served consecutively with her current eight-year sentence. She will be eligible to apply for parole immediately, with the timing of her release to be determined by the parole board.
Additional Charges
In addition to the child-stealing charge, Fitzgerald faced charges related to the theft of the vehicle. These matters were scheduled to be addressed in Brisbane Magistrates Court later that same day.
A Cautionary Tale for Parents
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of child safety, particularly when running everyday errands. While leaving a child in a car unattended may seem harmless for a brief moment, the incident demonstrates how quickly things can spiral out of control.
Fitzgerald’s actions were driven by mental illness and a sense of entitlement to motherhood, but it is the quick thinking of the mother that prevented the situation from escalating into something even more tragic. The use of a tracking device played a pivotal role in the swift recovery of the child, underscoring the potential benefits of having such technology in place for parents.
As the legal system addresses the consequences of Fitzgerald’s actions, the case also sheds light on the broader issues of mental health and the role it plays in criminal behavior. For Fitzgerald, the court hopes that continued supervision and support will lead to her eventual rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
In the meantime, the victim’s family is left to heal from the traumatic experience, with the knowledge that the justice system has intervened to prevent future harm.
