Baby M. mother receives 15 year sentence

An Edmonton mother, who can’t be identified, has been sentenced to 15 years in the death of her 2-year-old daughter. The little girl, known as Baby M., was found starving and emaciated along with her twin sister in a south Edmonton home in May of 2012. She later passed away in hospital. Her twin sister, Baby S. survived. There was no reaction from the woman in court as the judge handed down her sentence.

Baby M. weighed only 13 pounds when she was found, her sister weighed 16. Baby M. was found by police in a car seat inside the home. She had no pulse when she was discovered. A social worker who worked with the two little girls in hospital described it as the worst case of neglect and mistreatment she had ever seen, saying “We could never have prepared for such a horrendous case”. The 4-year-old brother of the two girls was also found in the home, he was reported to be healthy, and the home was well stocked with food.

The 37-year-old mother pleaded guilty to manslaughter, aggravated assault, and failing to provide the necessities of life, admitting that the girls were assaulted over a prolonged period of time. Court heard that the woman felt isolated caring for three small children at home while her husband worked. The family came to Canada from Algeria in 2008.

During the woman’s sentencing, the Justice Eric Macklin concluded that the mother’s remorse was sincere, adding that she was "likely a mother who was completely overwhelmed by her circumstances and unable to cope".

"It is difficult to conceptualize and verbalize the horrific acts to which these innocent children were subjected," Macklin said in his decision Friday. "It is also difficult to conceive of a more egregious breach of trust between a parent and a child."

The woman has already served 33 months, leaving approximately 11 years left on her sentence.

The Crown had asked for a 23-25 year sentence for the woman, but her defense attorney called for a more “merciful term”, citing other cases where sentences ranged from 7-16 years.

The woman’s husband pleaded guilty to manslaughter last spring. He is currently serving a 15 year sentence. During his trial, the court heard that he did not physically abuse the two girls, but he did nothing to stop the abuse.

Baby S. and her brother are now being raised by guardians.

With files from The Canadian Press.