LETHBRIDGE, Alta. — A bail hearing for a mother and father facing charges after police say their six-week-old child was physically and sexually assaulted has been delayed.
A 52-year-old man is charged with aggravated assault, sexual assault, sexual interference and failing to provide the necessaries of life, while a 31-year-old woman is charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life.
The couple has been in custody since Jan. 18. Neither of the accused appeared in court Friday in Lethbridge Alta., about 200 kilometres south of Calgary.
Court was told the father has not been able to retain a lawyer, so the matter was put over to Feb. 3.
Lethbridge police were called to a home to check on the welfare of the infant after receiving information she was being abused.
Upon their arrival, police say the child was found to be in medical distress.
The baby was transported to hospital where her injuries were found to be extensive and she was listed in critical condition.
Police have said an investigation determined the baby was assaulted multiple times in her first six weeks of life.
The couple cannot be named to protect the identity of the child.
About 20 people gathered in front of the courthouse concerned that the two suspects might be released on bail.
Loretta Taylor, who said she spent 17 years working in the system running a group home and working for social services in apprehensions, said she's horrified about what happened to the baby.
"I was devastated," she said "It's not right."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 27, 2023.
Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press
