Judge expected to rule Monday on bail in child-abuse case

A provincial court judge heard bail applications Thursday from two city women accused of serious violence against children, including charges of attempted murder.

The women, who cannot be identified because of a publication ban protecting the identities of the five victims, were both shackled during the hearing. One accused hung her head, her long hair obstructing her face, while the other often looked at the courtroom gallery where several family members were sitting.

A publication ban was ordered on all evidence heard during the bail hearing. Crown prosecutor Jayme Williams opposed the women’s release.

The alleged offences against the children took place between July 1 and Dec. 16, 2017.

The 24-year-old woman faces charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault, two counts of abandoning a child, five counts of unlawful confinement, two counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, and two counts of failure to provide the necessities of life.

The 23-year-old is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, two counts of abandoning a child, five counts of unlawful confinement, two counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, and two counts of assault with a weapon. The alleged weapon was a belt, said court records.

Judge Susan Richardson is expected to decide on the bail requests on Monday.

Defence lawyer Ajay Juneja represents the 24-year-old, and said he believes a lot of the allegations have been “sensationalized.” He’s hoping his client will be released because she’s been threatened at the Edmonton Remand Centre.

The other woman’s lawyer, Douglas Lee, said his client had not authorized him to comment.