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Photo Courtesy Lethbridge News Now
By David Opinko
Alberta

Lethbridge Police reminds residents of publication ban in alleged baby abuse case

Jan 24, 2023 | 5:15 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) is asking members of the public to not publish or broadcast the names of a young victim in an alleged case of abuse, or her parents.

On Wednesday, January 18, 2023, a couple were arrested and charged on allegations that their six-week-old baby girl had been assaulted and sexually assaulted.

LPS says the baby remains in critical condition in the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary and “is receiving the highest level of care and all her needs are currently being met by her caregivers.”

The police service says it understands that the matter is deeply troubling and has had a significant impact on the community, “resulting in an outpouring of support for the infant and condemnation of the two accused.”

However, LPS says some members of the public may not be aware that there is a court-imposed publication ban in effect for this matter that went into effect as soon as charges were initially sworn in.

According to police, “The ban prohibits publishing the identity of the victim and any information that could lead to her identity, including the names of her accused parents. This ban applies to everyone – law enforcement, media outlets and members of the public.”

Those who are caught in violation of a publication ban could potentially be called in front of a judge and might face criminal charges.

Supports are available for anyone who is experiencing secondary traumatic stress as a result of this case, including:

On Monday, January 23, 2023, a rally was held outside of the Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens, showing their support for the young victim.

The accused are scheduled to have a court appearance on Wednesday, January 25, 2023.

by David Opinko