Montreal Mother Denied Bail in Toddler Case

A 34-year-old Montreal mother, accused of unlawful abandonment of a child and criminal negligence causing bodily harm, has been denied bail and ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation within 30 days. She faces a combined maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The mother, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, reported her three-year-old daughter missing at a store in Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, on June 15, prompting a multi-province search. The child was found alive three days later by an Ontario Provincial Police drone near Highway 417. The Crown prosecutor opposed her release on public safety grounds, and details from the bail hearing remain under publication ban to ensure a fair trial. The mother will stay in custody until her next court appearance on August 8.