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AAP
AAP
Fraser Barton and Savannah Meacham

Mum's justice plea for coffee-attack baby as man found

Luka's family say the infant deserves justice after the senseless attack in a park. (HANDOUT/Supplied: family)

By the age of two, Luka has endured more than most adults face in a lifetime after an attack that shocked a nation, his mother says.

Luka suffered horrific burns when a stranger poured scalding coffee on the infant's head at a Brisbane park picnic before fleeing in August 2024.

Eight surgeries and almost 12 months later, Luka was healing "with a spirit that amazes us every single day", his mother said.

But the mum said her son deserved more than praise as police work to resolve the almost year-old case after the alleged attacker fled to China.

"He deserves justice," she said in a statement.

"Almost one year has passed and, while our family continues to live with the trauma of that day, the person responsible has not been held accountable.

"To those in positions of power; please don't make it another year. Do not let this man escape accountability for hurting a child!"

An international manhunt was launched after a stranger approached a Stones Corner picnic and emptied a thermos on Luka before running away on August 27, 2024.

The man wanted over the attack
The man wanted over the attack has been located in China. (HANDOUT/QUEENSLAND POLICE SERVICE)

An arrest warrant was issued for a 33-year-old foreign national.

But minutes after identifying the man, police discovered he had flown out of Australia 12 hours earlier.

Police on Wednesday said they had not given up on "securing justice" after the alleged offender was located in China.

"Over the past year, we've remained relentless in our efforts to hold this person to account and have him face justice," Detective Acting Superintendent Paul Dalton said.

"There is not a day that goes past where we don't turn our mind to this investigation and we can advance it to find justice for this baby."

Luka in hospital
Luka has endured eight surgeries and other procedures during his recovery. (HANDOUT/Supplied: family)

Australian Federal Police have been working with Chinese authorities since the alleged attacker left the country on August 31, 2024.

There is no extradition treaty between Australia and China.

"The AFP values the ongoing co-operation from Chinese authorities and their shared commitment to pursue all avenues for justice in light of the alleged offender's location," Queensland Police said in a statement.

"China has extraterritorial jurisdiction to prosecute its citizens for conduct which occurs outside China.

"The QPS and AFP continue to work in close partnership to explore options for progressing this matter and are pursuing all available avenues."

Luka's mother heaped praise on police, medical staff and the community for their support as her son recovered from the horrific attack.

Baby Luka in hospital
Luka suffered horrific burns when a stranger poured scalding coffee on his head. (HANDOUT/Supplied: family)

"Before the age of two, our son has endured more than most adults face in a lifetime," Luka's mother said.

"Every procedure is a painful reminder of what was done to him - and of the justice that still hasn't come." 

Besides multiple surgeries, Luka has undergone skin needling and grafts as well as laser treatments to treat his burns.

"Our son has shown a strength far beyond his years ... he is healing with a spirit that amazes us every single day," the mother said.

"But no child should have to carry the scars - physical or emotional - of such a senseless act. 

"He deserves more than our praise. He deserves justice."

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