The mother of a Quebec toddler who was missing for more than three days last month is facing a second charge in connection with the disappearance of her daughter.
The mother, who cannot be identified because of a publication ban that protects the identity of her daughter, had previously been charged with child abandonment. Prosecutors have now laid a new charge of criminal negligence causing bodily harm to the child.
On Thursday, she appeared at the courthouse in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Que., for a bail hearing. She looked solemn and occasionally broke into tears, but appeared to understand the judge. A second publication ban prevents the publication of any evidence presented at the bail hearing.
The child was the subject of a massive search operation last month before she was found alive in a field near Highway 417 in Ontario — a surprising outcome given how long she had been missing.
When the child was found, police said she was dehydrated and hungry.
The day she was reported missing, the mother had appeared in a store in Coteau-du-Lac, about 50 kilometres west of Montreal, acting erratically and saying she didn’t know where her child was.
She was questioned by investigators and later charged with child abandonment.
In a court appearance on June 20, the mother’s lawyer said she needed help and the defence would propose a release plan that would see her get “the support she needs.”
Prosecutors had said they remained opposed to the mother’s release on the grounds that it is not in the public interest. They said she could receive care while in detention.
The bail hearing is scheduled to continue on Friday. On Thursday, police investigators testified.
