Lawyer working on bail plan for woman charged in baby’s assault

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman & Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on February 18, 2023.

Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman A small group of concerned citizens gather outside the Lethbridge courthouse Friday, in support of the now nine-week-old baby while her mother's case is in front of the judge.

The mother of the now nine-week-old baby girl who was assaulted had her matter adjourned once again and remains in custody at the Lethbridge Correctional Centre.

Last month Lethbridge Police charged a father and mother in connection with the assault and sexual assault of their then six-week-old daughter.

During a brief hearing Friday in Lethbridge provincial court, Calgary lawyer John Oman simply asked for another adjournment, and said he and his client are working on a bail plan.

“I can advise the court and Crown that I’m just sorting out a residence for her and then we’ll be prepared to do a bail hearing or discuss with Crown,” Oman said.

In the meantime, the accused remains in remand by her own consent at the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, and the matter is scheduled to return to court Feb. 24.

Officers were called to a northside home on Jan. 18 to check on the welfare of the infant after receiving information she was being abused. Upon arrival officers located the baby in medical distress, EMS transported her to hospital where her injuries were found to be extensive.

The 52-year-old man and 31-year-old woman, who can’t be named to protect the identity of the baby, will appear in Lethbridge provincial court on Feb. 24.

While the matter was in front of the judge, a small but faithful group of people gathered outside the Lethbridge Provincial courthouse Friday morning.

When one of the members of the group supporting the baby girl, who was inside the court room, came out to informed those waiting outside, a loud sigh of disappointment could be heard among them.

“I’m absolutely disgusted. Unfortunately that was the outcome that I was anticipating, being here every week, and knowing what she was gunning for,” said Sarah Villebrun, a baby supporter since day one.

She said that even though she saw it coming, it still left a bitter taste in her mouth.

“I was anticipating it but it doesn’t change the fact that I’m leaving today with a pit in the bottom of my stomach, absolutely disgusted with our justice system,” said Villebrun.

Patricia Guzzi who has been at the courthouse every time the case has been in front of a judge, echoed Villebrun’s words of disappointment.

“I am very disgusted on how long the court is going, I do not think she deserves bail. They don’t deserve any good treatment. They’re going to find her a place for her to live and let her out on bail . . .? I think it’s horrific. The justice system is horrible it’s all I can say horrible,” said Guzzi.

Those in support of the baby have created a display of flowers, stuffed animals and candles at the bottom of the steps of the courthouse. Unfortunately it has been vandalized a couple of times, but on Friday something happened that left Villebrun happily surprised.

Villebrun said when she arrived to the courthouse, she noticed the display had been vandalized. She then saw a homeless woman approach it and take the flowers out of the vase. She was ready to get out of her car, but she decided against it as she realized things were not what they seemed.

“I guess we stigmatized the lady way too quickly. We watched her sit there and fix the entire memorial for the baby. She made it all pretty again. She put everything back up, fixed everything that she possibly could and then went on her way,” said Villebrun.