The former foster mother of missing toddler William Tyrrell has overturned a conviction over the intimidation and assault of another child.
The woman, whose identity must remain undisclosed by law, was found guilty in March 2024. Magistrate Susan McIntyre ruled that her threat of slapping the child constituted intimidation.
She earlier pleaded guilty to two counts of assault after striking the child with a wooden spoon and kicking them on the thigh.
Her conviction over these incidents was overturned today at Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court.
Judge Miiko Kumar found the offences proved but imposed a 12-month conditional release order without conviction.
Five counts of intimidation brought against the foster mother over alleged incidents related to the child were dismissed by McIntyre in March 2024.
In February, William’s former foster father had a conviction for intimidating the child tossed out after a successful District Court appeal.
Regarding the case, Judge Sean Grant determined that the man had no intention of causing harm when he yelled in frustration during the child’s school drop-off.
William was three years old when he disappeared on September 12, 2014, while at his foster grandmother’s residence in Kendall, located on the mid-north coast of NSW.
No one has ever been charged over his disappearance, although police have aired a theory that his foster mother disposed of his body after his accidental death.
The woman denies having anything to do with William’s disappearance.
