Melbourne woman who pleaded guilty to throwing newborn from window declines to speak to reporters

A Melbourne woman who admitted placing a newborn in a plastic bag and throwing the infant from a bathroom window pleaded guilty on Monday to reckless conduct endangering life and declined to answer questions from reporters as she left court.

Irine Jerotich, 26, appeared briefly at Melbourne Magistrates' Court and was not required to speak in court other than to indicate her plea. When approached by media as she left, Jerotich, who is a disability support worker, kept her head down, walked quickly with her hands in her pockets and did not answer questions including "Are you sorry?" or "Can you explain what happened that day?"

Court documents previously alleged that the offence occurred between August 29 and 30, 2024, when the infant was placed in a plastic bag and thrown from a bathroom window onto concrete, placing the unnamed newborn "in danger of death." Emergency services were called by housemates, and the infant was found outside a Dandenong North home at about 2:40 a.m. on August 30. The newborn was taken to hospital with life‑threatening or serious injuries, according to the documents.

A separate charge alleging reckless conduct endangering injury to an infant was discontinued. No further details of the circumstances were aired during Monday's court appearance. Jerotich remained on bail and her release conditions were extended until the matter returns for a pre‑sentence hearing in the County Court of Victoria in February. While on bail she is required to remain at her registered home address and is prohibited from leaving the state of Victoria.

Jerotich attended the magistrates' court dressed in a white hoodie and with a long braided ponytail, and was accompanied by members of her legal team. Magistrate Leon Fluxman heard the single‑count plea but did not hear evidence or submissions at the brief hearing.

The case drew attention in Australian media as an example of a serious criminal matter moving from a magistrates' court to the County Court for sentencing procedures. Pre‑sentence hearings typically allow the court to consider reports and material relevant to sentencing before a final sentence is imposed, but no timetable for sentencing was announced on Monday beyond the February listing.

Support services for people affected by child abuse or violence were listed in reporting on the matter. In Australia, 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline (13 11 14) and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) are available for those seeking support.

Victoria Police and court records show the matter remains before the courts and further hearings are expected as the pre‑sentence process proceeds.