Toddler assault case may be resolved

A 32-year-old man accused of assaulting his girlfriend’s toddler is expected to resolve his charges, without a trial, when he returns to court later this month.

The accused, who can’t be named under a courtordered publication ban to protect the identity of the two-year-old boy, was in Lethbridge provincial court Friday with his lawyer. Defence spoke to the matter briefly before the case was adjourned to March 23 for a plea.

“We’ll resolve the matter on that day,” Lethbridge lawyer Vincent Guinan told the judge.

The man is charged with assault causing bodily harm and failing to provide the necessaries of life, stemming from an anonymous tip to police suggesting a young boy might be in danger.

Police, with the help of Child and Family Services, conducted a welfare check last September and noticed the boy had injuries to his face and neck. An examination at the Chinook Regional Hospital revealed additional injuries. Although the child’s mother said he had fallen, medical staff determined the injuries were not consistent with a fall.

The mother faces charges of assault and failing to provide the necessaries of life in connection with the incident. She may resolve her charges, as well, but her case had previously been adjourned to see what happens to her boyfriend. Her next court hearing is also scheduled for March 23, when she may also deal with an unrelated fraud charge out of Medicine Hat.