Monique Ellen Burton: Geraldton mother accused of interfering with her newborn’s corpse appears again in court

The Geraldton woman accused of interfering with her baby’s corpse, allegedly found in a plastic bag in a freezer, and receiving donations after faking she had a terminal illness has again faced court. Monique Ellen Burton, 33, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Thursday morning for interfering with a corpse with intent to prevent investigation into circumstances surrounding the death and 12 fraud charges. Ms Burton’s lawyer Anthony Elliott requested an adjournment in order to obtain a psychiatric report for the mother, which will help them in entering a plea. Geraldton detectives previously claimed that after Ms Burton gave birth at home in secret, she allegedly placed the dead child in a plastic bag, that her partner Shaun Bradley Mr Balaam then is alleged to have placed in a freezer in their backyard. Mr Balaam has previously pleaded not guilty to a charge of interfering with a corpse. Magistrate Angus Hockton adjourned Ms Burton’s case until December 21, which provides 10 weeks to obtain the psychiatric report. Mr Elliott said reports could typically take between eight to 10 weeks. Ms Burton’s bail was extended.