By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Resolution discussions ongoing for mother accused of child abuse

Feb 9, 2018 | 10:28 AM

LETHBRIDGE – The adjournments continue for a 26-year-old Lethbridge woman facing allegations of child abuse.

The woman — who cannot be named to protect the identity of her two-year-old child — made a brief appearance in court Friday morning, Feb. 9, with her case being set over to Mar. 23. She faces charges of assault and failing to provide the necessaries of life.

As part of the adjournment, defence lawyer Scott Hadford agreed to waive his client’s Jordan rights, which sets strict time limits for matters to reach trial.

Hadford explained they are still not in a position to move forward, as the outcome of another case could impact this one — referring to a 32-year-old man facing charges of assault causing bodily harm and failing to provide the necessaries of life, in regard to the same child.

That individual will return to court Mar. 2, with his lawyer saying they are close to a resolution.

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Crown prosecutor Clayton Giles agreed with Hadford’s statement, adding that they have had “many resolution discussions,” but haven’t quite been able to close it yet.

The child abuse allegations stem from an anonymous tip that came in to the Lethbridge Police Service on Sept. 21, 2017, which indicated a two-year-old child may be in danger.

An immediate welfare check was conducted by police with the assistance of Child and Family Services. They say the boy had visible injuries to his face and neck, and a further examination at the Chinook Regional Hospital revealed injuries all over his body.

Police stated that the mother said her child had fallen, but medical staff determined the injuries were not consistent with a fall.