Mother of Quebec toddler found earlier this week ‘needs help,’ lawyer says

The mother of a three-year-old girl who was found alone in an Ontario field earlier this week is reportedly unwell, according to her lawyer, Olivier Béliveau. The mother, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, appeared briefly in court as her lawyers set a new date for her bail hearing. The judge also authorized a publication ban on the case.

Béliveau expressed concern for his client, stating that she is living with immense distress and in need of help. The mother was said to be “extremely relieved” upon hearing the news that her daughter was found safe. However, she has been charged with child abandonment, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.

The defense team plans to present a bail plan for the mother that includes providing her with support and assistance. They are not currently seeking a psychiatric evaluation. On the other hand, Lili Prévost-Gravel, the Crown prosecutor, stated that the prosecution opposes the mother’s release on the basis that it is not in the public interest.

The toddler was found by an Ontario Provincial Police drone near Highway 417, close to St-Albert, Ont., after a four-day search involving up to 200 officers, volunteers, police on horseback, helicopters, and ATVs. The girl had last been seen in Montreal’s LaSalle borough on Sunday morning, and her mother reported her missing a few hours later in Coteau-du-Lac.

The case is set to return to court in July for a bail hearing, with prosecutors continuing to analyze evidence that may lead to additional charges against the mother in the future. The mother has the right to receive care in the infirmary of the detention centre as an inmate, according to Prévost-Gravel.

The incident has sparked concern and raised questions about the mother’s well-being, as well as the circumstances surrounding the young girl’s ordeal. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.