WARNING: Distressing content
A five-year-old boy likely suffered abuse over a long period before he died from his injuries in a north Queensland hospital, police say.
The boy's 24-year-old father has been charged with murder and had his matter mentioned in Cairns Magistrate Court on Wednesday where he was remanded in custody.
The child was first taken to Yarrabah Hospital with life-threatening injuries on Tuesday, August 16, before being flown to Townsville Hospital in a critical condition.
He died on Monday.
"Our message to the community would be that if you know people are suffering from domestic violence, or you are aware that there is excessive use of force being exerted on children for disciplinary purposes or otherwise, then it's incumbent upon everyone to protect that child," Detective Inspector Kevin Goan said on Wednesday.
The boy's father has also been charged with grievous bodily harm, torture, assault occasioning bodily harm whilst armed and assault occasioning bodily harm.
He is next due to appear in Yarrabah Magistrates Court on September 7.
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