A young father from Saguenay is accused of aggravated assault on his baby less than two months old.
According to the indictment, the alleged acts took place over several weeks, from December 19, 2021 to March 3, 2022. For the moment, it is impossible to know if the victim, a young baby, will have any after-effects.
“We are talking about a person less than two months old,” said the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions, Me Nicole Ouellet. “We are able to link injuries to periods of time, [mais] we have to prove that there was use of excessive and unreasonable force,” she added.
The exact nature of the injuries has not been disclosed. However, they were serious enough to warrant hospitalization in Quebec. “We are still awaiting reports from Quebec. The baby is fine despite everything and he could get away with it without sequelae,” said Me Ouellet.
The accused, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, was absent at the time of his appearance, as the law allows.
According to his lawyer, the man would be very affected by the turn of events. “He reacts in a very emotional way, but he benefits from the necessary support”, indicated Me Olivier Théorêt of Legal Aid.
The criminal lawyer will have to read the evidence before determining whether a defense will be presented. “That remains to be seen. There is the medical report, statements and photos to study,” he said.
The accused, in his twenties, has no criminal record. He will be recalled to court next September.
Reference-www.journaldequebec.com