Quebec mother accused of abandoning toddler testifies at bail hearing

The mother of a missing Quebec toddler who was found alive after a four-day search last month testified at her bail hearing on Friday. 

The mother, who cannot be identified due to a publication ban that protects the identity of her daughter, appeared in court wearing a grey sweatshirt with braided hair. She was handcuffed because she remains detained. 

A separate publication ban prevents the media from reporting the content of her testimony. Both the defence and prosecution questioned her. She testified for approximately one hour, sometimes wiping away tears as she spoke.

Quebec Court Judge Bertrand St-Arnaud listened, occasionally interjecting, asking for clarification and taking notes. 

The bail hearing is scheduled to conclude on Friday. On Thursday, investigators testified. St-Arnaud is expected to present his decision on whether the mother can be released from detention next week. 

The mother has been charged with child abandonment and criminal negligence causing bodily harm, which carry maximum potential sentences of five and 10 years in prison, respectively.

Crown prosecutor Lili Prévost-Gravel has said she remains opposed to the mother's release because it is not in the public interest. She has said the mother can receive care while in detention.

The mother's lawyer, Olivier Béliveau, has said she needs help.

The toddler went missing on June 15. Her mother reported her missing at a store in Coteau-du-Lac, about 50 kilometres west of Montreal, telling a store employee she didn't know where her daughter was.  

Three days later, a police drone spotted the girl in an Ontario field after an intensive search. 

The mother was "extremely relieved" when news reached her that her daughter was safe, Béliveau said.