By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Crown and defence nearing resolution in alleged child abuse case

Jun 8, 2018 | 2:54 PM

LETHBRIDGE – A resolution has reportedly been reached by the Crown prosecution and defence in the case of a mother facing charges of assault and failing to provide the necessaries of life for her toddler.

The woman cannot be named to protect the identity of her child.

Defence lawyer Scott Hadford explained to a judge on Friday morning, June 8, that they have come to a disposition but need a little more time to work out a few of the details before bringing it to the court. The case was then adjourned for two weeks.

It follows a guilty plea and sentencing last March for a 32-year-old Lethbridge man, who was charged in connection with the same police investigation. He is the child’s step-father and also cannot be named.

As part of his guilty plea to assault causing bodily harm, it was revealed that a neighbour called the Lethbridge Police Service on Sept. 21, 2017 and informed them that the child might be in danger. Following up on the tip, LPS and Child and Family Services conducted a welfare check and found a two-year-old suffering from a number of injuries – including significant bruising and lacerations to his mouth and face, lacerations to his buttocks, and significant bruising to his legs, arms, and feet.

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The man’s lawyer told the court that his client wanted it to be known that he was responsible for all of the injuries.

He was subsequently handed a 33-month prison sentence.

Following the sentencing hearing, Crown prosecutor Clayton Giles withdrew a charge of failing to provide the necessaries of life against the man, telling the court that it was in relation to the fact that the child suffered the injuries over a two-week period, without receiving medical care.

“Other parties may be held accountable for that second part,” he stated.

Hadford said at the time that the resolution in the step-father’s case would play an important part in how they proceeded. He also noted that the child is currently in the custody of a family member.

The woman also faces a charge of fraud under $5,000 in relation to an alleged incident in 2016 in the Medicine Hat area.

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