TRUE CRIME AUSTRALIA West Australian
In 1907, Alice Mitchell was arrested for the murder of five-month-old Ethel Booth. During the inquest and subsequent trial, the general public was horrified to learn that at least 37 infants had died in Mitchell’s care in the previous six years. It became clear that she had been running a ‘baby farm’, making a profit out of caring for the children of single mothers and other ‘unfortunate women’.
The Alice Mitchell murder trial gripped the city of Perth and the nation. This book retraces this infamous ‘baby farm’ tragedy, which led to legislative changes to protect children’s welfare. In 1907, Perth woman Alice Mitchell was arrested for the murder of five-month-old Ethel Booth. During the inquest and subsequent trial, the state was horrified to learn that at least 37 infants had died in Mitchell’s care in the previous six years. It became clear that she had been running a ‘baby farm’, making a profit out of caring for the children of single mothers and other ‘unfortunate women’. The case raised questions about how so many infants could die, in apparently squalid conditions, implicating Perth’s first female health inspector, Harriet Lenihan, who visited regularly and Dr Edward Officer, a children’s specialist, who had signed most of the death certificates.

This book retraces this infamous ‘baby farm’ tragedy and a trial which gripped the nation and led to legislative changes to protect children’s welfare.

‘This is a well-researched and intelligent work that will be of particular interest to anyone interested in the social history of Perth in the early 20th century.’ History Council of Western Australia

‘Stella’s intense research and dogged interest … makes for fascinating reading.’ Subiaco Post

‘Thoroughly researched and engagingly told, Budrikis’ book brings together the strands of a complex situation to produce a compelling narrative that will keep readers turning the page to find out what really happened – and why.’ Writing WA

‘All medical professionals would benefit from reading this book.’ Medicus

Stella Budrikis was born in England but has lived in Western Australia for most of her life. She has worked as a general practitioner, pastoral carer, addictions clinic doctor and freelance writer. Stella is married with two grown-up daughters and enjoys researching family and social history.
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