Pair who gave ecstasy to baby avoid jail

A Victorian couple who gave their 10-week-old baby an ecstasy tablet have walked away from court with suspended prison sentences.

The couple, who can not be named under Queensland law, pleaded guilty in Cairns Supreme Court on Thursday to charges of grievous bodily harm and drug possession.

Prosecutor Jodie Woodridge told the court the baby girl's mother, now aged 23, had hidden the drug among the infant's reflux medication when they travelled to north Queensland in December 2008 to holiday with her brother.

Ms Woodridge said the drug remained with the baby's medication throughout their stay, creating a "Russian roulette" scenario.

"It was more good luck than good management each time the correct medication was given," she said.

On January 4, the baby's father, now aged 25, mistakenly gave the girl half an ecstasy tablet.

The couple realised their mistake when the infant began suffering seizures.

The baby was rushed to Cairns Base Hospital where she was sedated before having her stomach pumped.

Ms Woodridge said the child had shown no signs of long-term effects from the drug but her doctors indicated she would have most likely died or suffered brain damage without medical intervention.

Defence barrister Jim Henry said his clients had sworn off illicit drugs since the incident and had been subjected to twice weekly visits from parenting experts for several months.

He said they had been "publicly shamed" by the media coverage of their actions and had lost several friends as a result.

The couple, who are expecting their second child in February, told Justice Stanley Jones in a written statement they had learned from the incident.

"The only good thing to come out of this is that we have become better parents," they said.

"Our girl is our world and we are more vigilant."

In sentencing Justice Jones noted the couple's remorse and said they would have to live with the burden of their actions.

"I suspect you have beaten yourselves up more than I could, or would want to," he said.

He sentenced both to six months' jail but ordered the terms be wholly suspended.

[link to news.ninemsn.com.au]