Kenyan Woman in Australia Faces Charges After Throwing Newborn Out the Window

A Melbourne woman has pleaded guilty to reckless conduct endangering life after a newborn baby was found injured inside a plastic bag outside a residential property in the city’s north.

Irine Jerotich, 26, admitted the charge during a hearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court earlier this week. The incident took place in the early hours of 30 August, when neighbours on Gladstone Road contacted emergency services after discovering the infant on a concrete surface outside the home.

The baby was taken to hospital in serious condition and remains under medical care. Court documents state that Ms Jerotich gave birth alone inside the property before placing the newborn in a plastic bag and throwing the child out of a bathroom window.

Prosecutors said the act posed a serious risk to the infant’s life. A more serious charge of causing injury was later withdrawn. Ms Jerotich did not give evidence in court apart from confirming her plea.

Victoria Police confirmed the charge in a statement issued on 4 September. Ms Jerotich has been granted bail under strict conditions, including remaining at her home address and not leaving the state of Victoria.

A pre-sentence hearing is scheduled in the County Court for February. According to reports, Ms Jerotich’s housemates were unaware of her pregnancy. One housemate said they were relieved the baby had survived and expressed support for Ms Jerotich’s recovery, saying they continued to pray for both her and the child.

Police have not provided further updates on the baby's condition, but sources indicate the child is still receiving medical treatment.