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File photo of the Lethbridge courthouse. A 52-year-old man entered a guilty plea in connection to the alleged assault of a baby, June 23, 2023. (File photo: LNN)

Second suspect in alleged baby abuse case in Lethbridge pleads guilty

Jun 23, 2023 | 4:42 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A second person has pleaded guilty in connection to the alleged abuse of an infant.

On Friday, June 23, 2023 in Lethbridge Provincial Court, the 52-year-old man entered a guilty plea of one count of failing to provide the necessaries of life, and one count of aggravated assault.

One charge of sexual assault, and one charge of sexual interference, were withdrawn.

A publication ban imposed by the court prevents the release of any information that could identify the victim. This information includes the identities of those facing charges in the case.

A joint submission on sentencing from the Crown and defense suggested a sentence of seven years, however, sentencing was adjourned.

The matter will return to court for sentencing on Friday, August 4, 2023.

The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) said that on January 18, 2023, officers were called to a home on the north side of the city to check on the welfare of a six-week-old girl. The LPS claimed to have received information that suggested the child was being abused.

The baby was taken to hospital in Lethbridge before being transferred to a medical facility in Calgary. She was discharged in April but remains under continued medical care.

On Friday, June 16, 2023, a 31-year-old woman charged in connection with the alleged abuse pleaded guilty to one count of failing to provide the necessaries of life.

She is scheduled to be sentenced on August 18, 2023.

Support is available to anyone who may be experiencing secondary traumatic stress because of this case. Some of these resources include:

  • www.wellnesstogether.ca
  • The Canadian Mental Health Association 24-Hour Distress Line of Southwestern Alberta, which can be reached by calling 403-327-7905.

READ MORE: One suspect in Lethbridge alleged baby abuse case pleads guilty

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