Lifestyles Breaking News

The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION

Manitoba mom says she was 'overwhelmed' in days before she killed daughter

By: Staff Writer

Friday, Mar. 8, 2013 at 6:15 PM | Comments: 0

WINNIPEG - A rural Manitoba mother says a lack of help from Child and Family Services left her feeling "overwhelmed" in the days before she killed her daughter.

The 34-year-old — who can’t be named under a court order to protect the identities of two other children —- appeared in court Friday after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the October 2010 incident.

Lawyer Lisa Labossiere told court Friday her client was in desperate need of help after having her three children returned to her care about a year before her daughter's death.

Court heard the woman suffers from fetal alcohol syndrome and has a history of drug abuse and working in the sex trade.

The Crown is seeking a 12-year prison term, while the defence has asked for eight years behind bars.

Provincial court Judge Sid Lerner said he would deliver a sentence on April 10.

The little girl died in hospital of major injuries suffered from repeated assaults while living in a small community about 90 kilometres southeast of Winnipeg.

Crown attorney Breta Passler said the woman initially said her daughter had fallen and injured herself. She later admitted that she beat the girl on multiple occasions.

Labossiere said the provincial child welfare agency failed to follow through on suggested therapy and home respite which her client needed to properly care for her children.

"She was feeling extremely overwhelmed. (The accused) doesn’t have all the tools in the toolbox that you or I may have in terms of parenting," said Labossiere.

"Child and Family Services does have a degree of responsibility."

Rate this
This article has not yet been rated.

We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high. If you thought it was well written, do the same. If it doesn’t meet your standards, mark it accordingly.

You can also register and/or login to the site and join the conversation by leaving a comment.

Rate it yourself by rolling over the stars and clicking when you reach your desired rating. We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high.

Sort by: Newest to Oldest | Oldest to Newest | Most Popular 0 Comments

You can comment on most stories on brandonsun.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

There are no comments at the moment. Be the first to post a comment below.

Post Your Comment

The Brandon Sun does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. Comments are moderated before publication. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.