High-profile infant assault case adjourned again

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on March 18, 2023.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

The father accused of sexually assaulting his baby girl remains in custody while his lawyer and the Crown continue working on the high-profile case.

The matter was in Lethbridge provincial court Friday where the Crown and defence requested another adjournment to continue discussing the matter.

Crown Prosecutor Drew Gillespie requested the matter return April 14, and confirmed discussions with the defence are ongoing. He also explained the Crown needs more time, as well, to review the case before deciding the best way to proceed.

“I don’t believe prosecutions will be ready to take any substantive steps until that date,” Gillespie said.

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

Police reported the baby had been assaulted and sexually assaulted multiple times over the previous six weeks.

During a hearing last month the accused’s lawyer told court he and the Crown need time to have early case resolution discussions, which typically attempt to resolve a case as quickly and efficiently as possible, while avoiding a trial.

The 52-year-old father, who appeared in court by CCTV from the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, is charged with aggravated assault, sexual assault, sexual contact with a child, and failure to provide the necessaries of life. He can’t be identified to protect the identity of the child.

The baby’s mother is also charged with failure to provide the necessaries of life. Her matter was in court Tuesday for a bail hearing, but it was cancelled after her lawyer said he is still “working out things with the Crown.” Her matter returns to court next Friday.

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