'Her whole body was just stab wounds': Mum of girl stabbed in face shares first picture of horrific injuries
This is the first picture of a five-year-old girl who is now recovering in hospital after being repeatedly stabbed in the face and abdomen outside her home in regional Victoria.
Police say five-year-old Madison was stabbed with a 'sharp-bladed instrument’ after she tried to take her neighbour’s pencil in Ballarat last Sunday.
Madison was left with terrible injuries after the incident. Photo: gofundme
Samantha Hastings and Madison. Photo: Facebook
Ty Ranger, 23, who also lives in the same apartment complex, faced Ballarat Magistrates Court on Monday charged with attempted murder, intentionally causing serious injury, false imprisonment, child stealing and assault.
Madison's devoted mum Samantha Hastings, has spoken of the terrifying moments after the attack on finding her daughter who had been stabbed around two dozen times.
"I didn't recognise her at first... she had pure red hair. I nearly fainted because I was trying to hold my body up and hold my baby at the same time.
"I just couldn't look at her. Her whole body was just stab wounds. It’s like a big bad dream - to think I could have lost her," reports the Herald Sun.
A gofundme page has been set up by a group of Ballarat locals who are trying to raise $5000 so Madison can be taken on holiday to recover from the ordeal.
Ms Hastings has spoken of Madison's incredible spirit since the ordeal and said she always has a smile on her face.
Madison had been in the playground outside her home with her one-year-old sister Amy when she reportedly vanished in seconds.
As soon as Ms Hastings became aware something was wrong and was about to go and look for Madison, the little girl walked back into her house covered in blood, unrecognisable.
Madison was initially in a critical condition but has made a remarkable recovery and could be released from hospital in the coming days.
Ranger has been remanded in custody to re-appear in the same court in February.
