Prosecutors have dropped a criminal neglect charge against an Adelaide mother whose two-year-old son was badly burnt.
The toddler was hospitalised in August with serious burns to his face — as well as bruises.
At a hearing in the Adelaide Magistrates Court this morning, prosecutors dropped the criminal neglect charge against his mother, 34-year-old Emma Jade Short.
Outside court, her lawyer David Moen said his client never committed any offence against her child and the past few months had been an "emotional roller-coaster ride" for her.
"She is now a free woman and hopefully she'll be reunited with her son soon," he said.
Ms Short's partner, Rodney David Clough — who is also the boy's uncle — has been charged with criminal neglect of the child and remains in custody.
Prosecutors on Thursday also laid an additional charge against him of aggravated causing harm with intent.
Mr Moen told the court his client had been subjected to a "witch-hunt" due to the publicity around the case.
He expanded on what he meant when talking to the media outside court.
"She's had an unrelenting attack from the public, both people that are close to her and family, and she wishes that they know that she never committed any offence and that's clear, they withdrew the charge," Mr Moen said outside court.
"So, I hope that gets her on the road and she is now a free woman and, hopefully, she'll be reunited with her son soon."
Mr Moen said Ms Short was looking forward to seeing her young son again.
